Gifford Youth Achievement Center Youth Programs
Gifford Youth Activity Center, 4875 43rd Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32967
About
Gifford Youth Achievement Center Youth Programs offers year-round educational programs for students in grades K–12. The programs take place in a 38,000 square foot facility that includes classrooms, two computer labs, an outdoor patio, and a full-size gymnasium. The center also offers the Kellogg Academic Program for Success (KAPS) for 9th–12th grade students, the Boys 2 Men 2 Greatness mentoring program, and the Youth Employability Program (YEP) for high school students, along with the Beyond Special K (BSK) program serving adults and seniors.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
GYAC’s mission is to create, with God’s guidance, educational, cultural and social opportunities that enhance the lives of the youth and families it serves. The organization’s values include Respect, Hope, Perseverance, Hard work, Inclusivity, and Collaboration. Founded in 1998, GYAC has expanded its facilities and programs over the years, including establishing KAPS in partnership with Indian River State College in 1999, creating Beyond Special K in 2000, and launching the Youth Employability Program (YEP) in 2022. GYAC received the 2005 Outstanding Florida Minority Education Community Award from Governor Jeb Bush. The center reports that it has played a role in increasing the graduation rate of Indian River County’s African American population from 23% at its inception to over 90% in the present day.
GYAC has a leadership team that includes Executive Director Angelia Perry, MS; Assistant Executive Director Terri A. Graham, Ed.D.; Director of Philanthropy Peggy Gibbs, CFRE; Director of Finance Mike Hallenstein, MSDA; Director of Youth Employability Program Jay Lundy, Sr.; Director of Student Support Services Denise Smith, Ed.D.; and Director of Youth Programs Curtis Webb. Founders and key leaders include Dr. A. Ronald Hudson (Chairman Emeritus and Founder), Dr. William “Bill” Nigh (Founder), and Dan K. Richardson (Founder), along with members of the Foundation Board of Trustees and the Operating Board of Directors.
GYAC has a strong network of community partners, including local employers who work with the Youth Employability Program (YEP) to offer career development and internship opportunities for high school students. The Boys 2 Men 2 Greatness mentoring program was established as a pilot program with grant funding from the Indian River Community Foundation. GYAC also participated in a NASA Downlink, during which students received live feedback from astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
Parents and students have shared feedback about the programs. One parent, Ja’Licia Bass, stated that as a single parent, the support from GYAC and the homework help are very important to her. Another parent, Chantral Warner, said that she has never seen a program like GYAC and that she wants it to continue. A student, Tyjah W., said that GYAC helps students strive for academic excellence, respect, and community involvement, and that it helps students find their talents and excel at them.
Last updated June 1, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
GYAC’s mission is to create, with God’s guidance, educational, cultural and social opportunities that enhance the lives of the youth and families it serves. The organization’s values include Respect, Hope, Perseverance, Hard work, Inclusivity, and Collaboration. Founded in 1998, GYAC has expanded its facilities and programs over the years, including establishing KAPS in partnership with Indian River State College in 1999, creating Beyond Special K in 2000, and launching the Youth Employability Program (YEP) in 2022. GYAC received the 2005 Outstanding Florida Minority Education Community Award from Governor Jeb Bush. The center reports that it has played a role in increasing the graduation rate of Indian River County’s African American population from 23% at its inception to over 90% in the present day.
GYAC has a leadership team that includes Executive Director Angelia Perry, MS; Assistant Executive Director Terri A. Graham, Ed.D.; Director of Philanthropy Peggy Gibbs, CFRE; Director of Finance Mike Hallenstein, MSDA; Director of Youth Employability Program Jay Lundy, Sr.; Director of Student Support Services Denise Smith, Ed.D.; and Director of Youth Programs Curtis Webb. Founders and key leaders include Dr. A. Ronald Hudson (Chairman Emeritus and Founder), Dr. William “Bill” Nigh (Founder), and Dan K. Richardson (Founder), along with members of the Foundation Board of Trustees and the Operating Board of Directors.
GYAC has a strong network of community partners, including local employers who work with the Youth Employability Program (YEP) to offer career development and internship opportunities for high school students. The Boys 2 Men 2 Greatness mentoring program was established as a pilot program with grant funding from the Indian River Community Foundation. GYAC also participated in a NASA Downlink, during which students received live feedback from astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
Parents and students have shared feedback about the programs. One parent, Ja’Licia Bass, stated that as a single parent, the support from GYAC and the homework help are very important to her. Another parent, Chantral Warner, said that she has never seen a program like GYAC and that she wants it to continue. A student, Tyjah W., said that GYAC helps students strive for academic excellence, respect, and community involvement, and that it helps students find their talents and excel at them.
Last updated June 1, 2026.
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