The Youth nation Center
About Charise Bryant
Charise Bryant is a youth program developer, entrepreneur, and community leader based in Akron. As the Founder and Program Director of Youth Nation Center, she leads the development of structured programs, workshops, and performance arts experiences that support youth growth, creativity, and life skills.
In addition to leading her own organization, Charise also serves as a program developer for community and nonprofit initiatives, creating engaging programs, events, and performing arts productions for broader community impact.
Most recently, she was brought in by the City of Akron to produce Back in Time: The Musical Theatrical Review, providing youth with hands-on experience in performance, storytelling, and live stage production.
The Youth Nation Center
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.
The Youth Nation Center Program
Youth Nation Center is a youth development organization based in Akron, dedicated to providing safe, structured, and engaging programs for children and teens. Through a combination of life skills training, creative expression, and hands-on learning, the center creates opportunities for youth to build confidence, develop independence, and explore their potential.
We offer year-round support through respite services, aftercare programming, summer respite programs, and engaging workshops, all designed to keep youth active, supported, and growing in a positive environment while giving families trusted and reliable care.
From Vision to the Stage: April–September 2026
Since April, The Youth Nation Center has experienced an incredible season of creativity, growth, and community impact.
The journey began in the spring with the vision, planning, and audition process for Back in Time: The Music Evolution Experience. More than 300 young people auditioned, and approximately 50 performers were selected to participate in this original production celebrating generations of music through singing, dancing, acting, fashion, and visual storytelling.
Throughout the summer, The Youth Nation Center also provided youth respite and creative enrichment programming. Our Lights, Camera, Story program gave young people opportunities to explore storytelling, performance, creativity, and media production in a safe and supportive environment.
For several months, the cast of Back in Time participated in rehearsals, vocal development, choreography, studio recording, costume preparation, and creative workshops. The young performers presented a special preview during a City of Akron festival before bringing the complete production to the Downtown Akron Main Library.
More than 300 guests attended the final show and came together to celebrate the talent, dedication, and growth of our youth. The experience also included the premiere of Finding the Spotlight, a documentary sharing the story behind the production and the journey of the young people who helped bring it to life.
From April through September, our young people did more than prepare for a performance. They developed confidence, discipline, leadership, teamwork, and meaningful relationships. This season showed what can happen when young people are given a platform, a supportive village, and the freedom to discover their own spotlight.
We are incredibly grateful to every family, staff member, artist, volunteer, community partner, and supporter who helped make this journey possible.
What’s Next at The Youth Nation Center?”
Introducing Leaders of Tomorrow
Leaders of Tomorrow: Two Seasons of Creativity and Leadership
Leaders of Tomorrow gives young people opportunities to discover their voices, develop their talents, build confidence, and strengthen their leadership skills through three creative pathways.
Fall Season: October–December
During the fall season, participants will begin with:
What the Kids Say / What the Teens Say
Held on Mondays and Tuesdays, this youth podcasting experience helps participants express their opinions, discuss meaningful topics, conduct interviews, and strengthen their communication skills.
Live & Local
Held on Thursdays and Fridays from 3:30–5:30 p.m., this audition-based experience gives young singers and dancers opportunities to rehearse, record, and perform.
The fall season will include one educational field trip and conclude with a special live and prerecorded Christmas showcase in December, featuring What the Kids Say / What the Teens Say and Live & Local.
Spring Season: March–May
The spring season will continue What the Kids Say / What the Teens Say and Live & Local while introducing our third pathway:
Lights, Camera, Story
Participants will explore storytelling, interviews, photography, video production, and mini-documentaries while learning how to share stories through creative media.
The spring season will also include one educational field trip.
End-of-Year Expo
During the first week of June, all three pathways will come together for the Leaders of Tomorrow End-of-Year Expo. The Expo will showcase What the Kids Say / What the Teens Say, Lights, Camera, Story projects, and conclude with a live performance by Live & Local.
Why Work With Us
At The Youth Nation Center, we provide more than supervision—we create a safe, welcoming environment where every young person can be heard, seen, supported, and inspired.
Our programs combine creative learning, leadership development, mentorship, and meaningful experiences that help children and teens build confidence while discovering their individual strengths.
Families choose us because we offer:
• Small-group support and individual attention
• Creative, hands-on learning experiences
• Opportunities to perform, create, travel, and lead
• A diverse and inclusive environment
• Caring guidance from experienced youth professionals
• Programs that support confidence, communication, teamwork, and personal growth
We believe every young person deserves a place where they feel valued, encouraged, and excited about their future.
Experienced professionals dedicated to your success.
Proven results that speak for themselves.
Upcoming Events
Voices of the Season LIVE
A Holiday Experience of Music, Youth Voices and Family Connection
Voices of the Season LIVE is a warm and elegant holiday experience presented by The Youth Nation Center’s Leaders of Tomorrow program. The event will bring together music, meaningful youth conversations, family, and community in a beautiful white, silver, and blush-pink Christmas setting.
The evening will feature a special 30-minute performance by our Live & Local singers and dancers. Leading up to the event, the group will also release prerecorded performances of several holiday songs, giving families and the community an early look at the young talent preparing for the stage.
What the Kids Say / What the Teens Say will present a youth-led live podcast in front of an audience. Participants will share their perspectives and lead a meaningful discussion about the importance of family connections, holiday traditions, togetherness, and the people who make us feel supported and loved.
Guests are invited to enjoy hot cocoa, refreshments, live entertainment, and an uplifting evening celebrating young voices and talents.
Coming this December. Date, time, and additional details will be announced soon.
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