Programs

 

Cultural Exploration Workshops

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Utilizing the Perspective-Shifting Cultural Curriculum developed by Claudia Ross, YGP’s Founder & CEO, participants learn history, sociology, geography, science, cultural awareness, social justice/advocacy, foreign languages, leadership skills, etc through the lens of people from African descent. Specifically, the curriculum gives participants access to exchange with the global majority, identifying within themselves phenotypical and genotypical characteristics shared with people from all over the globe.

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National College & Career Readiness Tours

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Annually, 25 students will visit a diverse range of colleges and universities, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). These tours expose students to different campus environments, academic programs, and admissions requirements, helping them make informed decisions about their higher education journey.

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In previous years, students have toured institutions such as Howard University, Bowie University, Central State University, Florida A&M University, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Penn State University, Georgia Tech, Duke University, Florida State University, University of Louisville, University of Indianapolis, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indiana State University, Ball State University, Purdue University, University of Evansville, and Notre Dame.

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Before the tours, students participate in an interest and career assessment workshop designed to help them explore their personal and professional aspirations. This workshop aids in major selection, career planning, and identifying skills necessary for future employment. YGP also introduces students to available career resources at both the high school and college levels to support their long-term success.

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Cultural Arts Excursions

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The Cultural Arts Excursions offers 16-50 youth opportunities for local, regional, or international excursions lasting 2-30 days.

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Since 2016, participants have explored migration history in Indiana and traveled across multiple states, visiting key museums such as:

• Underground Railroad Museum in Cincinnati, OH

• National Museum of African American History in DC

• Civil and Human Rights Center and Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta, GA

• Black Wall Street Museum in Tulsa, OK

Our international excursions include:

• Cuba: Literacy Campaign Museum, Las Terrazas Eco-Community, Science Station, Revolutionary Square, and Museum of Fine Arts

• Mexico: Ruins of the Mayan and Olmec Empires

• Spain: International College of Sevilla, Cathedral, Sagrada Familia, Las Ramblas, Park Güell, Plaza de España, Alcazar, Castillo San Jorge, Triana Market, and Alhambra

• Ghana:

  • Apeguso Village: W.E.B. Du Bois House, local schools, Umbrella Rock, Twin Waterfalls, Cedi Beads, and a hydroelectric dam

  • Kumasi: Kente cloth making, Ashanti Museum, Manhyia Palace, market, and zoo

  • Cape Coast: Slave Dungeons

  • Accra: Designed custom African garments

• Canada: Niagara Falls and Josiah Henson Museum, learning about the 30,000 Black refugees who escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad

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YGP participants complete a capstone project by hosting an event to showcase their learnings and findings in front of their families and the community-at-large including YGP’s partners and stakeholders.

 

Community Service

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Students will learn the importance of community service while also learning how to successfully lead a community project. In this program, students will plan and conduct their own community event. This event will specifically correlate with their travel experiences with YGP, Inc. Students will also be required to participate in planned community service activities with YGP, Inc. These activities will be scheduled for every other month.