American YouthWorks | Austin Community Service

It is a sad fact that approximately 2.5 million youths find themselves incarcerated in a juvenile detention facility each year in Texas. Children from underprivileged backgrounds who are not given a fair chance to achieve their goals in life often turn to crime as a means of escape. Many of these kids drop out of high school and are vulnerable to the overtures of local criminals. Thankfully, organizations like the Austin based American YouthWorks are in existence and making a difference by helping troubled youths every day due to their tireless work.

American YouthWorks first came to prominence in 1976 as the Creative Rapid Learning Center whose mission was to provide a means for adults and children abandoned by the education system to learn the skills they needed to procure employment. This organization grew and in 1986, the American Institute for Learning was founded in Austin. Its goal was to provide training and education for high school dropouts and other individuals in need.

As American YouthWorks, it provides a sterling example of Austin community service and it is backed by a host of local businesses. Such an organization may come as a surprise to an outsider but it's indicative of the community spirit prevalent in Austin. Businesses like Guero's Taco Bar, Austin Energy, and Whole Foods dedicate time, effort and finance by helping youths in Austin who have nowhere else to turn.

Indeed, the owners of the popular Austin Mexican restaurant Guero's, have spent the last eight years as the chairs of the Annual Help Clifford Help Kids Fundraiser. This is one of the many events affiliated with American YouthWorks and all proceeds generated in this event go towards the organization and helps their quest to assist teenagers in need. The aforementioned fundraiser attracted over 600 people.

There are a variety of educational programs on offer at American YouthWorks. The popular Escalera program takes place in the YouthWorks' Charter High School and avoids conventional methods of teaching as these do not work for everyone. The program has been a massive success and it not only provides students with valuable skills, it also helps them find potential careers where they can utilize these new found talents.

One of the main problems experienced by teenagers in Austin and indeed in the whole of the United States is the lack of support systems available to them. Often, teenage pregnancies or criminal activity can ruin a teenager's life because there is no one to help them. American YouthWorks provides mentoring and tutoring services which help these troubled youths take some of the unbearable strain off their young shoulders. American YouthWorks and organizations like it provide a wonderful community service but are often under-funded despite the efforts of companies like Guero's Taco Bar. If such a group exists in your area, be sure to sponsor or assist them in any way you can for the sake of our troubled youths.