About
Youth Development Organization (YDO) Programs include specific options such as a boat-building program and the Makehers program. YDO students are able to participate in out-of-school enrichment spanning STEM disciplines, the performing and fine arts, and leadership development. YDO maintains a standard of high expectations for everyone to be kind, be respectful, work hard, and have fun.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
YDO engages over 700 students in grades 3 and up from Lawrence and its neighboring communities, with students coming from over 30 different public schools and ten charter or parochial schools. The organization serves a population of youth with the following socioeconomic indicators: 74% low-to-moderate income household; 97% Hispanic, Black, or other minority; 72% female head of household; and 80% first-generation college attendance. YDO’s Theory of Engagement includes the steps: The Hook, Exploration, Buy-in, Leadership, and The World. The mission of YDO 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 founder of YDO is Howard Sticklor.
In partnership with Phillips Academy in Andover (PA), YDO launched new performing arts programming. YDO creates enrichment pathways for students to accelerate their learning, gain momentum, and improve the trajectory of their lives.
Parents, students, volunteers, and partners have shared feedback about YDO. One Phillips Academy volunteer said, “YDO really strives to give children opportunities to be productive and have fun while they work.” A fifth-grade student, Emy, said, “I’ve never experienced something like this before. It’s a big opportunity for everybody.” A former YDO kid who is now Director of Recruiting, Nelly, said, “When I share the story of how I came to be the person I am, YDO is on the top of that list!” One parent said, “My daughter really loves going to YDO and has learned and grown so much since she joined.” A YDO Fine Arts Fellow said, “From the YDO Kids, I learned that everyone contributes something special to a group dynamic.” A member of a grants committee said, “It was so thrilling to see our dollars at work. Keep up the great work!”
Last updated January 27, 2026.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
YDO engages over 700 students in grades 3 and up from Lawrence and its neighboring communities, with students coming from over 30 different public schools and ten charter or parochial schools. The organization serves a population of youth with the following socioeconomic indicators: 74% low-to-moderate income household; 97% Hispanic, Black, or other minority; 72% female head of household; and 80% first-generation college attendance. YDO’s Theory of Engagement includes the steps: The Hook, Exploration, Buy-in, Leadership, and The World. The mission of YDO 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 founder of YDO is Howard Sticklor.
In partnership with Phillips Academy in Andover (PA), YDO launched new performing arts programming. YDO creates enrichment pathways for students to accelerate their learning, gain momentum, and improve the trajectory of their lives.
Parents, students, volunteers, and partners have shared feedback about YDO. One Phillips Academy volunteer said, “YDO really strives to give children opportunities to be productive and have fun while they work.” A fifth-grade student, Emy, said, “I’ve never experienced something like this before. It’s a big opportunity for everybody.” A former YDO kid who is now Director of Recruiting, Nelly, said, “When I share the story of how I came to be the person I am, YDO is on the top of that list!” One parent said, “My daughter really loves going to YDO and has learned and grown so much since she joined.” A YDO Fine Arts Fellow said, “From the YDO Kids, I learned that everyone contributes something special to a group dynamic.” A member of a grants committee said, “It was so thrilling to see our dollars at work. Keep up the great work!”
Last updated January 27, 2026.
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