Maya Angelou Academy @ Youth Services Center
“Education helps one case cease being intimidated by strange situations.”– Dr. Angelou.
The Maya Angelou Academy @ Youth Services Center provides a safe, nurturing, and mutually respectful environment that motivates and prepares incarcerated young people to fulfill their academic or career potential. Many students, ranging from 14 to 19, come in performing significantly below grade level, and nearly half have been diagnosed with learning disabilities. With the support of a wide circle of caring adults, these students develop the skills they need to advocate for their most authentic self and make sound decisions that lead to rewarding lives.
Broadly, the Youth Services Center (YSC) is the District of Columbia’s detention center for male and female youth, it is responsible for the care and custody of young people placed in secure detention by court from the DC Superior Court -Family Court Division. The Maya Angelou Academy @ YSC is an alternative school within that youth detention facility. Our school is designed to meet the needs of students who are currently detained by the juvenile justice system regardless of academic career history and current academic standing.
1000 Mount Olivet Rd. NE
Washington, DC 20002
Main Office: (202) 987-7007
VISION STATEMENT
All scholars will receive an education that transforms mindsets and empowers them to reach their full potential.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to cultivate a learning community that empowers detained youth through a restorative educational approach.
Core Values
Maya CARES. Our five core values are at the heart of our mission and vision are:
- Community :We strive to build a learning community where all scholars are empowered to reach their full potential.
- Accountability: Through restorative approaches, we not only hold ourselves accountable for providing a transformative education but also hold our scholars accountable for working to reach their full potential.
- Recognition: We know that celebrating success builds more success, and we recognize the achievements of our scholars and staff.
- Empathy: We lead with empathy and also strive to help our scholars develop empathy as a leadership skill.
- Support: Our learning community is built upon a foundation of support, both academic and social-emotional.
