History

The Institute of Youth Development and Excellence (IYDE) brings over 40 years of expertise into our youth development and mentor training programs and we focus on assisting communities in overcoming challenges they face addressing the youth in a meaningful way. Founded in June of 2007, our “turn-key” mentor-based youth programs empower youth to build character, gain leadership skills, and improve health choices through long-term guided, consistent, and positive mentor relationships.

Our Reach

IYDE programs are open for everyone and provide a safe place for youth of diverse backgrounds. In addition to the community development work, we run youth programs including after-school, weekend, and summer programs.

Geographically, we serve the Greater Cincinnati community including Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont counties in Ohio and Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties in Kentucky. We have also trained teams of mentors for other communities in Dayton, OH; Toledo, OH; Herndon, VA; and Springfield, VA, among others.

Who We Serve

Many of the youth served by IYDE are from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. In 2008, immigrants constituted 3.7% of the population of the state of Ohio, or 427,040 people (Migration Policy Institute). Individuals from Africa and Asia, including the Middle East, constituted the majority of these residents. Ten percent (10%) of the immigrant population was under the age of 18.