Youth Development Organization (YDO)

Youth Development Organization (YDO) offers Advisory Services, High School Prep beginning in 7th grade, Postsecondary Pathways for high school juniors and seniors, Arts, Music Lessons, YDO Strings, Piano Lessons, Merrimack Valley Youth Choir, ydShow, STEM, and Leadership Development. YDO Strings includes weekly instrument lessons in violin, cello, piano, or harp, and the Merrimack Valley Youth Choir gives weekly voice instruction and public performances. ydShow uses daily classes during a five-week summer program to prepare Lawrence youth for a full musical theater production each August.

Programs

• Advisory Services — YDO provides students the tools, connections, and advice that drive educational access and success.
• High School Prep — Beginning in 7th Grade · meet weekly · Middle schoolers take advantage of mentorship and programming focused on planning for and excelling in high school.
• Postsecondary Pathways — High school juniors and seniors · Expert staff guide students through the search, application, financial aid, admissions, and matriculation processes via classes, forums, and one-on-one counseling.
• Arts
• Music Lessons — YDO Kids can take individual music lessons term after term, year after year.
• YDO Strings — weekly · Through the YDO@Phillips Academy partnership, students take weekly instrument lessons in violin, cello, piano, or harp delivered by Phillips students in Andover.
• Piano Lessons — weekly · Individual weekly piano lessons delivered by a local pianist and educator.
• Merrimack Valley Youth Choir — Grades 3-8 · weekly after school over three terms · Members receive weekly voice instruction and opportunities to publicly perform.
• ydShow — Grades 3-8 · daily classes during a five-week summer program · Lawrence youth take daily classes that prepare them to put on a full musical theater production each August.
• STEM — YDO's programs and collaborations span STEM disciplines.
• Leadership Development — YDO's programs and collaborations include leadership development.

At a glance

• Ages: 8–17 years old
• General schedule: Programs vary by term. Arts offerings are available every term and each summer. ydShow is delivered as part of YDO Summer.

About the provider

Founded in 2006, YDO marked its 20th anniversary in 2026. YDO engages over 700 students in Grades 3 and up from Lawrence and neighboring communities, and students come from over 30 public schools and ten charter or parochial schools. Its mission is to grow a vibrant community of self-motivated learners and leaders by offering high-quality educational activities, developing supportive long-term relationships, and providing personalized opportunities for success.

The only prerequisites are curiosity and a willingness to participate fully. YDO maintains a standard of high expectations for everyone to be kind, be respectful, work hard, and have fun.

What families say

“YDO really strives to give children opportunities to be productive and have fun while they work.” — Phillips Academy Volunteer

“I’ve never experienced something like this before. It’s a big opportunity for everybody.” — Emy, Grade 5

“When I share the story of how I came to be the person I am, YDO is on the top of that list!” — Nelly, YDO Kidnow Director of Recruiting

Last updated September 2, 2026.