Fort Valley Youth Center of Excellence
Fort Valley Youth Center of Excellence, 500 Riley Ave, Fort Valley, GA 31030
About
Fort Valley Youth Center of Excellence focuses on five main areas for students: academic excellence, character development, etiquette, health and physical wellness, and STEM. Programs are described as inclusive, welcoming, and safe for students of all backgrounds, and the environment is set up so students can be engaged learners and take positive risks in their learning. Students are encouraged to express their needs, goals, and preferences, and teachers and mentors support them in advocating for themselves and their educational experience.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
The mission of the Fort Valley Youth Center of Excellence is to empower and inspire school-age students to become resilient, responsible, and visionary leaders. The mission also states that the program is dedicated to a learning environment that nurtures students academically, socially, and emotionally, and that it aims to equip them with skills, confidence, and a mindset to reach their potential and function in a changing world. The mission further notes a focus on personalized support and community collaboration, with an emphasis on academic success, positive impact, self-advocacy, and leadership.
The culture of the program is described as one where students are supported academically, gain confidence in themselves and their abilities, learn healthy and virtuous habits, and develop a sense of personal responsibility and commitment to the larger community. Every component of the program is described as having the goal of building students’ confidence so they feel empowered to take academic and personal risks. All programs are described as inclusive, welcoming, and safe for students of all backgrounds.
Fort Valley Youth Center of Excellence is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. The leadership team includes Willie Williams (President), Sherita Jones (Vice President), William Bennett (Chief Financial Officer), Annie Marshall (Secretary), and Belinda Baker (Chief Executive Officer). Members of the Board of Directors include Gus Oglesby, Barbara Daniely, Dr. Paula McGhee, Martha McAfee, Dr. Michael Edwards, Dr. Virginia Dixon, Henry “Al” Wilson, Chester L. Askins, and Randall Ellison.
The program states that it is committed to empowering students through relationships that involve the school, families, community organizations, and local businesses. Student testimonials describe mentors who care and help students believe in their potential, leadership skills that feel important for the future, a sense that the center feels like a second home with lasting friendships, and programs that support both studies and everyday life skills.
Last updated April 25, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
The mission of the Fort Valley Youth Center of Excellence is to empower and inspire school-age students to become resilient, responsible, and visionary leaders. The mission also states that the program is dedicated to a learning environment that nurtures students academically, socially, and emotionally, and that it aims to equip them with skills, confidence, and a mindset to reach their potential and function in a changing world. The mission further notes a focus on personalized support and community collaboration, with an emphasis on academic success, positive impact, self-advocacy, and leadership.
The culture of the program is described as one where students are supported academically, gain confidence in themselves and their abilities, learn healthy and virtuous habits, and develop a sense of personal responsibility and commitment to the larger community. Every component of the program is described as having the goal of building students’ confidence so they feel empowered to take academic and personal risks. All programs are described as inclusive, welcoming, and safe for students of all backgrounds.
Fort Valley Youth Center of Excellence is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. The leadership team includes Willie Williams (President), Sherita Jones (Vice President), William Bennett (Chief Financial Officer), Annie Marshall (Secretary), and Belinda Baker (Chief Executive Officer). Members of the Board of Directors include Gus Oglesby, Barbara Daniely, Dr. Paula McGhee, Martha McAfee, Dr. Michael Edwards, Dr. Virginia Dixon, Henry “Al” Wilson, Chester L. Askins, and Randall Ellison.
The program states that it is committed to empowering students through relationships that involve the school, families, community organizations, and local businesses. Student testimonials describe mentors who care and help students believe in their potential, leadership skills that feel important for the future, a sense that the center feels like a second home with lasting friendships, and programs that support both studies and everyday life skills.
Last updated April 25, 2026.
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