AAYHF Launches Satellite Resource Center in Eastern Travis County / Manor, Texas
The African American Youth Harvest Foundation is expanding its impact in Manor, Texas, while also opening summer opportunities, strengthening family support, and continuing community-based youth programming across the Greater Austin area.
A Message from Michael Lofton
Greetings from Michael Lofton,
It gives me great pleasure to share that the African American Youth Harvest Foundation has begun launching a series of programs and services in Manor, Texas, at the request of the community, Manor ISD, and the City Manager’s Office.
AAYHF currently has staff serving on approximately 10 Manor ISD campuses, working closely with youth and their families by providing impactful programs and supportive services. In the coming weeks, AAYHF will officially open a food bank in Manor to further support local families.
The expansion of AAYHF services into the Manor community has been warmly welcomed. Parents have shared their appreciation that they no longer have to travel to Austin to access essential social services and mentoring programs.
In the weeks ahead, AAYHF will continue to roll out additional services and announce food bank office hours and related initiatives as part of a broader vision to replicate our successful service model currently operating in Austin.
We look forward to continuing to serve and uplift the Manor community.
Michael Lofton
President / C.E.O. / Founder
Featured Community Stories
A Powerful Launch in Manor
AAYHF’s Community Engagement Resource Fair at the Harvest Manor Facility officially marked the launch of expanded services in Manor, Texas. The event welcomed more than 100 families and featured over 20 vendors and service providers offering food, household items, hygiene products, clothing, shoes, healthcare services, counseling, employment resources, and more.
Distinguished attendees included local and regional leaders, nonprofit partners, health and human services representatives, and city leadership. Community feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and the momentum has already inspired additional events and the launch of a community food pantry.
2nd Annual Easter Meal Basket Giveaway
AAYHF was honored to support families across the community during its 2nd Annual Easter Meal Basket Giveaway. The event reflected love, care, and togetherness, and was made possible through the continued generosity of The Links Incorporated, Townlake (TX) Chapter.
The giveaway helped expand AAYHF’s reach and ensured more families felt supported and prepared for the Easter season. Each basket represented more than a meal — it served as a reminder that families are seen, valued, and supported.
Supporting Student Wellness
AAYHF served as a community resource at Manor New Tech High School’s Mental Health Fair, connecting students and staff with information, support, and tools related to mental wellness.
Events like this help normalize conversations around mental health, create safe spaces for youth, and reinforce the importance of wellness, resilience, and community care.
Spring Break Camp Success
AAYHF celebrated another successful year of Spring Break Camp, where youth participated in academic enrichment, STEM learning, chess instruction, digital literacy, art, movement, and social-emotional development.
The week created a balanced camp environment where learning was engaging, creativity was encouraged, and students were given opportunities to grow in confidence and connection.
Summer Opportunities
Urban University Summer Camp 2026
Registration is now open for Urban University Summer Camp, running from June 1 – July 3, 2026, for youth ages 5–18.
- Location: Austin Achieve Public Schools
- Time: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Cost: $50 per child, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks
- Focus: academic enrichment, STEM, creative arts, leadership, and field trips
- Bonus: select middle and high school students can join a STEM Certification Track
Free 5-Week STEM Certification Program
AAYHF is offering a free summer certification opportunity designed to equip students with real-world technology skills and prepare them for academic and career success.
- Dates: June 1 – July 2, 2026
- Location: Austin Achieve Public Schools
- Program Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Includes: daily meals and access to Grow with Google certification pathways
National Recognition
AAYHF Selected for National AI and Youth Skills Accelerator
AAYHF has been selected as one of only 15 nonprofit organizations nationwide to participate in the 2026 Youth Skills and Employment Accelerator, led by the Global Business Coalition for Education in partnership with Dell Technologies and Stellantis.
This opportunity will connect AAYHF to a national network of organizations preparing young people for the future of work through innovation, technology, workforce readiness, and program development.
AAYHF Awarded Kars4Kids Small Grant
AAYHF was selected as a Kars4Kids Small Grant recipient, recognizing its continued commitment to supporting youth and families through holistic, community-based programming.
The grant highlights AAYHF’s mentoring, STEM, workforce development, and family support initiatives and affirms the importance of culturally responsive wraparound services.
Program Spotlights
Boys 2 Men
The latest Boys 2 Men session focused on the life skill of “showing up” — building consistency, reliability, accountability, and intentionality in school, relationships, and life.
Meets: Tuesdays, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Queens 2 Be Exposed
Participants worked through a five-year plan, explored their goals, and reflected on the habits, traits, and mindset needed to become confident, purpose-driven young women.
Meets: Thursdays, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
KREW 12
Students continued building digital media and production skills, moving from footage review to hands-on editing directly from their phones and creating original 60-second recap videos.
Meets: Thursdays, 5:15 PM – 7:30 PM
Manor Mentoring
Students reflected on communication, collaboration, and their Spring Break experiences while practicing self-expression, speaking, listening, and peer connection.
STEM Technology Program
Students continued assembling 2WD smart robot car kits, learning motors, wheels, wiring, engineering basics, and hands-on problem-solving in a collaborative environment.
Meets: Thursdays, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Tutoring – Academic Support Initiative
AAYHF tutoring offers structured individual and small-group support that strengthens foundational skills, improves classroom engagement, and reinforces academic success.
Get Involved
Become a Mentor / Get Involved
To learn more about our mentors and hear from them directly, watch: YouTube Highlight Video
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