The Institute of Youth Development and Excellence (IYDE) is a non-profit organization that has developed efficient programs and methods that affect positive character change in youth. We are a registered 501(c)3 charity organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

Our Work

We help organizations overcome typical challenges faced with starting, developing and maintaining effective youth programs with a customized turn-key solution.

By combining the best of mentoring, character development, individual and group activities, we help rebuild relevance in the lives of the youth. Through experiential learning and understanding the issues youth face today, we create a lasting impact on organizations and the communities they affect.

Who We Are

Riyad Shamma is the founder and Executive Director of the Institute of Youth Development and Excellence. His work spans over 30 years in the vanguard of youth development in the USA. His work with the youth has been parallel to his work as an industrial engineer, counselor, and adjunct imam and khateeb in Ohio and Northern Kentucky.

It was in his capacity as youth program developer, organizer, and counselor for The Islamic Society of North America’s Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) and Muslim Student Association (MSA) that he found the need to develop a new concept of youth programming that more consistently and locally addresses the youth’s needs. His mentorship concept was unique in its sustainability, longevity, and adaptability to each community, furthermore, the concept intends to fill an aspect that current youth programming does not address.

Riyad Shamma
Riyad Shamma, founder of IYDE