Gifford Youth Achievement Center

Our Mission Statement: With God's guidance, our mission is to establish a partnership among our youth and adults of the Gifford community and surrounding municipalities of Indian River County that will develop self-esteem, teach character, and encourage each individual to reach for his or her ultimate potential.

Our Vision: That through our programs and activities we will increase participation, increase high school and college graduation rates, increase parental involvement, enhance youth and adult success in life, and increase the positive sense of self-worth within every individual we serve.

• GYAC is a 501(c)(3), who opened its doors in 1998. Its sole purpose is to enhance the academic achievement of children in Indian River County.
• A volunteer Board of Directors governs the GYAC. The Board embodies the concept that there is nothing more important than ensuring that our children are provided the opportunities and support necessary to ensure their graduation from high school which will enable them to attend the college or vocational program of their choosing.

Areas of Expertise:

• Staff includes degreed teachers and tutors, retired psychologists, professional mentors and volunteers, and recreational support staff.
• Collaborative partners provide specific programmatic expertise in such areas as cultural arts, gardening and music instruction.

GYAC’s Accomplishments Include:

• Received the 2010 United Way of Indian River County Agency Excellence Award.
• Nominated for the United Way of Indian River County Agency Excellence Award for 2009 and 2008.
• Received the 2005 Outstanding Florida Minority Education Community Organization Award.

Targeted Population:

• At-risk students who live in the Gifford, Sebastian, Vero Beach and Wabasso areas of Indian River County.
• In addition to youth, GYAC also provides programs and activities for adults and seniors citizens.
• The average daily attendance at GYAC for programs and activities is over 200 students and adults.

Facility:

GYAC was a 24,000 square foot facility equipped with classrooms, computer labs, a library operated by the County, and an in-door gym but has recently been going through a 14,000 SF expansion. The new expansion includes eight multi-use classrooms including a computer lab, two administrative offices and an outdoor patio.