The foundation is a local nonprofit aiming to reach, restore, and revive the community, according to the organization’s mission.
There will be enough space to serve a large number of students, said Justin Weller, the lead project manager for the youth center. The plan is to open early next year. However, some programming may be launched sooner, he added.
“We are planning to offer hangout spaces for students in grades six through twelve. These areas will keep junior high and high school kids separate and offer them access to board games, books, video games and more," Weller said.
"The (Urbana Youth Center) will also be offering homework and study assistance. All kids who attend the youth center – which is completely free to any child in the geographic area of Urbana City Schools – will be able to eat for free any day the youth center is open,” he added.
He said their first priority is providing in-person and virtual assistance with homework and studying. They also plan on fostering connections between students and local employers by encouraging visits from local companies.
Weller said they are also working on building community partnerships to fill in gaps and provide additional services for students.
“The Urbana Youth Center hopes to fill the weekday gap for kids who may also need food during the week and plans to work with various local entities for the effort,” he added.
There are current efforts to recruit local educators, retired teachers and other community members to volunteer or work at the center. There is also an effort to raise money for the center’s programming.
The idea is to eventually have three full-time personnel at the youth center and two part-time employees. Currently the GrandWorks Foundation is working on securing donations for programming. Weller said that in the future they will be looking at grant funding to sustain the youth center.
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