ABOUT US
The seeds of Community Youth Athletic Center were sown in 1991 in the San Diego community of National City. Then, CYAC was a grassroots backyard gym, with an old pair of gloves and a homemade boxing ring. The CYAC founders believed that, in order to make a difference for many of National City’s youth, something “out of the box” had to be created.
This “out of the box” program was to give youth what they seek through gang membership (acceptance, challenging activities and a place to belong) in an alternative, socially positive environment. The vision was to bring individuals together from all walks of life -- law enforcement, business sector and community residents -- to make a change in the lives of inner-city kids and bring about the CYAC philosophy of “making a difference, one round at a time.”
In 1997, local law enforcement and the San Diego District Attorney’s Office noticed the Community Youth Athletic Center had proven to be a realistic prevention, intervention and diversion measure for at-risk youth. They recognized this youth program had been successful in providing an intelligent alternative to criminal behavior. They in turn have assisted with donating equipment, providing positive outings and serving as mentors. That year a board of directors was created and in 1998, CYAC obtained its 501(c)(3) non-profit status.
This “out of the box” program was to give youth what they seek through gang membership (acceptance, challenging activities and a place to belong) in an alternative, socially positive environment. The vision was to bring individuals together from all walks of life -- law enforcement, business sector and community residents -- to make a change in the lives of inner-city kids and bring about the CYAC philosophy of “making a difference, one round at a time.”
In 1997, local law enforcement and the San Diego District Attorney’s Office noticed the Community Youth Athletic Center had proven to be a realistic prevention, intervention and diversion measure for at-risk youth. They recognized this youth program had been successful in providing an intelligent alternative to criminal behavior. They in turn have assisted with donating equipment, providing positive outings and serving as mentors. That year a board of directors was created and in 1998, CYAC obtained its 501(c)(3) non-profit status.
PROGRAMS
The philosophy of Community Youth Athletic Center Diversion Programs are to give at-risk youth ages 7-19 what they seek through street gang membership in an alternative, empowering, socially positive and family format. Community Youth Athletic Center Diversion Programs are built on five components:
- Youth health and physical fitness
- Alternative education services
- Youth development support
- Work readiness/ employment-based learning opportunities
Health, Education, Physical Fitness & Youth Development
Each week, our boxing, fitness, and counseling program provides 75-100 kids with a constructive alternative to the gangs, drugs, and crime they find on the street. While at the gym, the kids participate in one or more of the following programs:
Fitness & Nutrition: This is a structured boxing and fitness program that is open to all of our youth. They register for the program between 3 pm and 4 pm each day and participate in various boxing workouts from 4 pm to 7 pm. In all cases, participants have developed self-confidence, shown an increase in their cardiovascular conditioning, and shed unneeded pounds. They stay off the streets, in school, and focused on career goals.
Youth Amateur Boxing: Youth who excel in Champs 4 Life move on to our amateur boxing program, which is the most successful boxing program in the region. Participants commit to long hours of practice and keeping their grades up. USA Boxing certified coaches not only teach the fundamentals of boxing, but the rewards of discipline and hard work.
Upward Bound Program: Far too many of our kids will not finish high school and nearly all are unaware of the financial assistance available to them for college. With our “making a difference one round at a time” philosophy, we give our kids the vision and understanding that college is important and prepare them for that eventual stepping stone. Kids are free to use our in-house computer room as needed; we provide volunteer tutors for our youth; and we take groups of kids on college-campus tours so they know that this is an option that is within their reach.
