"It takes a Village-We're That Village"

Charise Bryant, known affectionately as Miss Bryant, is the passionate driving force behind The Youth Nation Center’s transformative programming. With a rich background in youth mentorship, education, and the performing arts, she brings creativity, empathy, and intentionality to everything she leads.
Miss Bryant is grounded in the belief that every child deserves to step into their future feeling empowered and ready. Whether it’s leading affirmations, unpacking tough emotions, or celebrating achievements, she champions each child as someone full of possibility and promise.

At The Youth Nation Center, our mission is to empower, educate, and uplift young people by providing a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment after school and during enrichment programs. We are committed to supporting the whole child—emotionally, socially, academically, and creatively—through hands-on learning, mentorship, and intentional care.
Our aftercare and youth programming focuses on:
With a grateful heart, I want to take a moment to honor and sincerely thank the incredible individuals whose generosity, leadership, and belief made our December 20th Mid-Day Christmas Event so special.
This event was a beautiful moment for our youth — they confidently presented their business plans, celebrated their hard work, and joyfully opened gifts provided through the support of our center and our amazing sponsors.
None of this would be possible without people who choose to pour into children, families, and community.
Nichelle Fitch
Thank you for your continued support over the years. Your consistency and belief in The Youth Nation Center truly mean so much.
Tiara Davis
Thank you for your generous donation and for supporting our youth through volleyball instruction. Your involvement makes a real impact.
Ms. Shaqueta
Thank you for your donation, your continued support over the years, and for helping transport several of our program youth. Your dedication does not go unnoticed.
Yvonne Bryant
Thank you for your support, referrals, and donation. Your belief in this program and our families means a great deal.
Lanier Yarbrough
Thank you for your donation, your support, and the encouraging words you’ve shared with our youth. Your positivity and belief uplift them greatly.
✨ Miss Barbara Greene
My business mentor Miss Barbara, thank you for choosing to be here with us. Your leadership, wisdom, and unwavering faith in me have played a major role in the growth of Youth Nation Center. Thank you for your generous donation and for always uplifting and supporting this mission.
✨ Dr. Carla Chapman
Chief of Community Relations & Strategic Engagement, Akron Public Schools
Dr. Chapman, thank you for joining us and for your continued support. You are the true definition of leadership. Your presence, insight, and commitment to the youth of our city inspire me deeply. Thank you for your donation and for believing in Youth Nation Center.
✨ Mrs Alexandra
Miss Alexandra is a phenomenal leader and advocate for youth. I met her during a time when my program had no enrolled children, and she sparked confidence in me to remain bold, creative, and intentional. Her encouragement helped push Youth Nation Center forward at a critical moment. Thank you for your donation and continued support.
✨ Mr. Marc Jones
A great friend, supporter, music producer, and school principal. Marc, thank you for always encouraging me, believing in my work, and supporting this vision. Your donation and support mean a lot.
✨ Cedric Talbert
A dedicated supporter, longtime friend, and former music director within my youth programs. Thank you for your donation, your leadership, and for being a consistent role model to our youth.
✨ Lanier Yarbrough
My oldest brother and a steady supporter of this mission. Lanier also serves as a positive role model for young boys through his work as a basketball coach at Arlington Church of God Christian Academy. Thank you for your donation and continued encouragement.
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✨ Dr. Alece Andrews
My best friend and one of my most consistent supporters. Dr. Alece Andrew, thank you for your continued support and contributions over the years. Your encouragement, belief in me, and unwavering support have meant more to me than you know. You have stood by me through every season, and I am deeply grateful for your friendship and your heart for this work. Thank you for always supporting Youth Nation Center.
✨ Very Special Thank You to Mr. Lem Ervin
Mel is not only my business partner but also my partner in life. He has invested his own time, finances, and belief into helping Youth Nation Center become licensed and established. While he may not be present daily, he is absolutely one of the driving forces behind this program. I am deeply grateful for his support and commitment to this vision.
— Charise Bryant
Founder & Director, The Youth Nation Center

Students will be placed into small groups and given real-life scenarios that require determination—such as:
Each group will:

Students will work together to:
This project builds confidence, communication skills, teamwork, and self-expression.

Each student will create a personal vision board to represent:
Vision boards help youth see their goals clearly and believe they are achievable. awareness, and self-expression.

🎃 October 31, 2025
Join us for a fun and safe Halloween outing! Students will travel together as a group to a local movie theater to enjoy a family-friendly film on the big screen. This workshop creates a space for laughter, bonding, and positive social interaction. 8yr-12yr

🎄 December 20, 2025
We are excited to invite families, friends, APS staff, youth coordinators, and new families interested in enrolling to our very first Christmas Mid-Day Celebration at The Youth Nation Center!
During this special event, our youth will proudly present the business plans and creative projects they’ve been working on all season. Afterwards, everyone will enjoy warm hot cocoa, cookies, and festive holiday cheer.
All Youth Nation program participants will also receive Christmas gifts selected especially for them, making this a heartfelt and memorable moment for our kids.
Join us for a wonderful day filled with togetherness, creativity, and joy as we celebrate the accomplishments of our amazing young people!

💕 February 2026
Hosted by Ms. Bryant
A special brunch at First Watch focused on teaching teen girls the importance of caring for their mind, body, and soul. During this self-care experience, teens will enjoy good food, positive conversation, mindset activities, and sisterhood.

🎨 April 2026
A hands-on creative arts experience where children explore painting, crafting, expression, and imagination. Designed to help kids build confidence, focus, and artistic skills.
Age 7-12

🎨 May 2026
Our teen creative arts workshop will challenge older students to explore deeper artistic concepts, storytelling, and design while building leadership and teamwork.
Age 13-17yr

June–July | Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
is a fun, hands-on, empowering summer experience designed for youth who need a safe, positive, and creative space during the daytime. This combined program blends creative arts, entrepreneurship, life-skills, and respite support into one meaningful summer camp experience.
Kick off the new school year with our inspiring and energizing Back-to-School Workshop at The Youth Nation Center! This event is designed to motivate and prepare students for a successful year ahead.
Participants will enjoy:
Every child will also receive a free book bag and back-to-school supplies to start the year off strong and equipped for success.
Join us for a day of fun, empowerment, and encouragement as we celebrate the upcoming school year!!
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We love our Clients, so feel free to schedule a Tour.
Mon | 03:00 pm – 06:00 pm | |
Tue | 03:00 pm – 06:00 pm | |
Wed | 03:00 pm – 06:00 pm | |
Thu | 03:00 pm – 06:00 pm | |
Fri | Closed | |
Sat | Closed | |
Sun | Closed |
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