 Statistics show that 3-6PM is the riskiest time in a child's day. Statistics also show that in communities with comprehensive youth programs, youth are less likely to commit crimes or get in trouble and academic performance improves. AYC has been providing positive alternatives to youth in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond since 1991.
AYC offers a variety of positive, fun and enriching programs. Each day after school and during the summer, AYC is filled with youth. Some take advantage of our tutor in the Homework Room while others meet their friends and play a friendly game of ping pong. AYC offers daily after school clubs including Culinary Club, where youth work together to cook exotic meals or Science Club where they engage in fun, challenging activities. During Sports Club youth work out their energy in a popular game of dodge ball or basketball. AYC has a High School Board that works with staff to create fun activities including a senior graduation breakfast, theme events, and a sledding party. Whatever activity the youth choose, while at AYC, they are supervised and are not particpating in risky behaviors, making for a better community.
Single parent and dual working families find AYC to be a huge resource. One parent recently said, "Thank you for supporting this wonderful program and giving my daughter a summer scholarship. She has made a lot of new friends and now is more social. Thank you for letting my daughter have so many opportunities." Program fee's only cover 5% of our budget, the remaining 95% of our budget is raised through fundraising events like Cirque d'Aspen, grants and individual contributions.
The Aspen Youth Center is a private non-profit organization. We charge only $2/day for kids in grades 4-8, and high school students are free (summer fees increase to $3 or $5/day). All of the clubs and activities are included in the entrance fee. Through our clubs, youth are learning life skills such as self-confidence, team building, tolerance, critical thinking and independent decision-making skills. Our dedicated and caring staff act as mentors and spend one-on-one time talking with youth about peer pressure, the benefits of going to college, anger management, etc. Our goal is to help youth grow into positive young adults.
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