Youth Services

Our hands-on programs, CREATE (grades 1-6) and POWER (grades 7-12), prepare students for college, careers, and life success. Our Beavers Scholarships make college dreams come true. And our “Foster Grandparents” — senior volunteers who mentor children — help the children who need them most.

Young black children wearing CREATE program shirts and medals

CREATE

“Children Reaching Educational Achievement Through Enrichment”
Our out-of-school-time program uses elevated learning experiences to close the opportunity gap for under-resourced students. Our vision: Fill the gap with societal leaders and change agents who make a positive social impact through their character, firm identity, emotional intelligence, academic excellence, and mental and physical well-being.

Learn More

POWER

“Providing Opportunities With Educational Readiness”
A 6-year program (grades 7-12) that empowers students in pursuit of a post-secondary education by offering academic, cultural, and social enrichment activities. Our Goal: Instill a sense of competence and self-worth through encouragement, support, and enrichment (including hands-on learning experiences and off-campus field trips).

Learn More

Beavers Scholarships

Each year at our MLK Jr. Memorial Breakfast, UPO honors his legacy by presenting Beavers Scholarships to 5 outstanding DC students to help ease the costs of college. We invite rising juniors to apply!

Learn More

Foster Grandparents

Our “Foster Grandparents” are senior volunteers who mentor DC students in reading, math, motor skills, and social-emotional development. They become the “right hand” of each teacher because they have a unique relationship with the children — they are beloved!

Learn More