Breaking Barriers for Houston's Youth
Since 1997, Youth Development Center (YDC) has been working to change the trajectory for elementary-aged at-risk students in Northeast Houston. Through a comprehensive after-school program, the nonprofit closes academic gaps, supports families in need, and disrupts generational poverty — all at no cost to families.
YDC serves one of Houston's most vulnerable communities, the 77016 zip code, a designated food desert where nearly 25% of families live below the poverty line. Under the leadership of Executive Director Charla Phillips and Community and Development Director Bianca Huff, the organization provides not just academic support, but a pathway forward. Their mission is simple: inspire, equip, and guide underserved youth in Houston.
Reversing the Cycle of Poverty
In neighborhoods across Houston, the cycle of poverty often begins with limited access to quality education. It's reinforced by systemic barriers like food insecurity, unstable housing, and lack of healthcare. Studies show that students who aren't reading proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school—a reality that affects not just individual futures, but also Houston's economic competitiveness.
"Houston needs this kind of focused youth development work because education is essential to reverse the cycle of poverty in this community," said Phillips. Huff puts it simply: "Lasting change is about removing the barriers that keep kids from learning and families from thriving."
The center offers an intensive academic program tailored for students who need extra support. The results are remarkable, with students often advancing on average one grade level in reading and one grade level in math within a single school year.
Creating Environments for Families to Thrive
Last school year, students in YDC's after-school program made measurable gains in both reading ability and academic confidence. Many started the year at least one grade behind. By year's end, nearly 72% were reading at or above grade level. "Looking at the significant academic growth our students demonstrated last year brings life to our mission," Phillips said. "It has been pure joy to work with a team committed to inspire, equip, and guide our students to meet their goals and see their confidence grow from the beginning to the end of the school year."
Academic support is only part of the equation. YDC provides transportation from school to the center and back home, hot meals, and safe after-school care. For many parents and caregivers, these services make it possible to maintain steady employment. "We exist in a neighborhood that is extremely limited in after-school programming options, which directly affects a parent's ability to work beyond normal school hours," Huff explained. "Lasting change is creating an environment where both students and their parents can thrive—and grow into productive members of society."
Stronger Together
YDC's reach is amplified through strong community partnerships that help eliminate barriers for students and their families. In 2023, YDC was selected to serve as an official HISD Sunrise Center, providing vital wraparound support for the greater Northeast Houston community. Through this partnership, Huff explains "we're able to provide a food pantry, clothing closet, mental health services, and self-improvement courses—all housed right on our campus." These resources, made possible through collaboration with dedicated Houston nonprofits, offer families meaningful support and pathways to growth.
"It takes a village to raise a child, and YDC certainly cannot do the work that we do without the support of the greater Houston community," says Phillips. Huff echoes that sentiment: "Whenever we notice a student's need, we're able to tap into our community partners for support. We deeply believe that humans are 'better together' and live out that belief by staying connected to the community around us."
Teaching Money Sense
This school year, YDC launched a new initiative to address a critical component of long-term stability: financial literacy. The idea emerged during test preparation when staff discovered that state-mandated exams included questions about interest rates and credit cards — concepts many students had never encountered.
At YDC, financial literacy is more than a classroom subject—it's a tool for breaking generational cycles of poverty. Learning "money sense" at an early age helps students understand saving, budgeting, and making smart financial decisions.
"We are especially excited to partner with Stellar Bank to offer financial literacy classes to our 3rd–5th graders," said Phillips. "These early budgeting and saving concepts support our work to reverse the cycle of poverty in our community. We're beyond grateful—not only for the expertise but for the generosity of spirit each Stellar employee brings into our classrooms."
Each week, Stellar bankers step into YDC classrooms to lead hands-on financial literacy workshops. Students learn to budget hypothetical paychecks, understand the difference between saving and spending, and make informed money decisions — real-world skills delivered through a formal curriculum that meets them where they are.
YDC students participate in weekly financial literacy courses led by Stellar bankers.
Looking Ahead
This school year marks an exciting milestone for YDC as it welcomes its first-ever class of kindergarten students, a move aimed at building stronger academic foundations earlier in a child's education. The expansion reflects YDC's deepening commitment to the community and its belief that early intervention creates lasting impact.
Get involved with Youth Development Center
YDC relies entirely on community support — it receives no government funding and raise every dollar it spends. You can volunteer in the student garden, adopt a student or classroom to provide holiday gifts, or sponsor Thanksgiving meals for families in need. You can also attend Bon Vivant, YDC's annual fundraiser featuring some of Houston’s top chefs — or make a direct donation at www.ydc.org to support its work year-round.
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Stellar Bank is enormously committed to supporting our communities. Our passion lies in empowering families, friends, coworkers and neighbors to thrive—whether that’s through volunteerism, donations, education, or financial services. Because we believe that advancing the well-being of others promotes shared prosperity for all.
Learn more about Stellar Bank’s commitment to community impact here.
