May 6, 2026
Join Us in Celebrating Community Partnerships!
From programming to partnerships — here’s what’s new at the African American Youth Harvest Foundation.
Building Safer Communities Together: AAYHF Hosts GIFFORDS Texas Roadshow
The African American Youth Harvest Foundation was honored to welcome partners, advocates, and policy leaders to our Austin campus as part of the GIFFORDS Texas Roadshow, a convening focused on violence prevention, public safety, and community-centered solutions.
This gathering created space for meaningful dialogue between grassroots organizations and statewide leaders, centering the lived experiences of communities most impacted by violence. Participants explored how locally rooted, trauma-informed work connects to broader policy conversations shaping safety and prevention efforts across Texas.
Organizations including ATX Peace and Jail to Jobs joined the conversation, underscoring the ongoing need for sustained funding, prevention strategies, reentry support, and healing-centered approaches.
AAYHF was proud to share how our wraparound model, grounded in mentoring, mental health support, education, and family engagement, is making a real difference in Austin and throughout Travis County.
Mother’s Day Photoshoot Event
On May 2nd, the African American Youth Harvest Foundation proudly hosted our annual Mother’s Day Photo Shoot, celebrating the strength, beauty, and love of the incredible mothers and caregivers in our community.
This event was more than just photos. It was about honoring the women who nurture, lead, and uplift our youth every day. Families gathered in a warm and joyful atmosphere, capturing special moments that will be cherished for years to come.
We are grateful to all the families who participated and allowed us to be a part of such a memorable celebration.
Moody Bank Continues to Invest in AAYHF’s Community
At the African American Youth Harvest Foundation, we know that meaningful change does not happen without partners who are willing to show up, and Moody Bank continues to do just that.
Through their ongoing support of our mission, Moody Bank recently reinforced their commitment to community-centered impact with a generous contribution to AAYHF. This investment helps us continue providing critical programs and resources that empower youth and families across Central Texas.
We are grateful to Moody Bank for believing in the power of community, healing, and opportunity.
AAYHF Connects with Families at Kids Fest ATX
The African American Youth Harvest Foundation was proud to participate in Kids Fest ATX, a free, family-focused community event in Austin dedicated to connecting children and caregivers with essential resources, services, and opportunities for growth.
The event featured a vibrant Safety Fair Zone, hands-on activities for children, and more than 125 community exhibitors offering educational, health, and family support services.
By participating in Kids Fest ATX, AAYHF joined a powerful collective effort to meet families where they are, share information, build relationships, and reinforce our commitment to empowering youth.
Join Us for BMBB 2026!
The African American Youth Harvest Foundation is proud to partner with Hindu Charities for America for the upcoming Bollywood Meets Borscht celebration, a powerful event bringing communities together through culture, entertainment, and purpose.
We are especially excited that AAYHF’s very own Kelia Hopkins will be performing as part of this incredible evening. Events like these celebrate diversity and unity while directly supporting youth and families through Back2School supplies, educational resources, and other essential supports.
AAYHF is grateful for the continued partnership and shared commitment to uplifting youth, strengthening families, and building a stronger community together.
Urban University Summer Camp 2026 – Registration Update
We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming response to our 2026 Urban University Summer Camp. Due to the high level of interest, registration is now officially closed.
If your child or children were accepted into the program, you should have received an email confirming their acceptance along with important next steps and camp details. Please review that email carefully and register for one of the three available mandatory parent orientation meeting dates using the link provided.
Because of the incredible interest this year, we have established a waiting list. Families who are still interested in registering are encouraged to join the waitlist, as openings may become available.
Programs & Enrollment Opportunities
Game On with AAYHF Esports!
AAYHF invites families to explore our Esports Program, a structured and engaging opportunity for students in grades 9–12 that blends gaming with personal growth and academic support.
When: Every Wednesday, 6:00–7:30 PM
Academic Support: Homework help from 4:00–6:00 PM
Where: 6633 E Hwy 290, Suite #306, Austin, TX 78723
Earn a Technology Certification This Summer
AAYHF is excited to announce our free 5-week STEM Certification Program, designed to equip students with real-world technology skills and prepare them for future academic and career success.
Dates: June 1 – July 2, 2026
Location: Austin Achieve Public Schools, 7424 Hwy 290 East, Austin, TX 78723
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–5:30 PM
Daily meals are included, with breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided.
STEM Camp Certification LinkBoys 2 Men – Mentorship & Leadership Development
This week’s Boys 2 Men session offered participants time to unwind and engage in activities they enjoy, creating space for balance, choice, and connection.
Many students chose to spend their downtime in the Dell Lab, using the opportunity to strengthen their technical skills and explore their interests in a supportive environment.
Meets: Every Tuesday from 5:00–7:30 PM, with open enrollment.
Register for Boys 2 MenQueens2Be Exposed: Confidence. Purpose. Growth.
During the most recent Queens2Be Exposed session, the group paused from their usual structured lesson plans and leaned into open conversation and connection.
These moments of unstructured dialogue are powerful, allowing participants to build trust, strengthen peer relationships, and feel seen and heard.
Meets: Every Tuesday from 6:00–7:30 PM.
Register for Queens2Be ExposedKREW 12 – Digital Media & Production
Another strong session with KREW12 brought students together with energy and focus as they created their first student-led film.
From check-ins to collaboration, the room was filled with creativity as students continued building scripts, exploring storytelling, emotion, and camera angles.
Meets: Thursdays, 5:15–7:30 PM.
Register for KREW 12Manor Mentoring – School Enrichment
This week across Manor schools, mentees focused on growth, wellness, and connection. Students explored resilience and citizenship through meaningful conversations, took intentional time to reset their mental health, and strengthened bonds with peers and mentors.
These moments remind us that mentorship is about showing up, building trust, and empowering young people to continue forward confident and supported.
Register for Manor MentoringQueens 2 Be – Mentorship & Empowerment
During Tuesday’s Queens 2 Be session, participants watched a movie centered on a character named Annie and used the story as a springboard for meaningful discussion and reflection.
The session focused on confidence, self-belief, hope, resilience, positivity, and kindness.
Meets: Every Tuesday from 5:00–7:30 PM.
Register for Queens 2 BeSTEM Technology Program
During this week’s STEM and Esports session, participants engaged in hands-on and interactive activities designed to strengthen both technical thinking and collaboration.
Students explored teamwork through gameplay and examined chemical reactions, gas expansion, and pressure through the classic Mentos and soda experiment.
Meets: Every Thursday from 5:00–7:30 PM.
Register for STEMTutoring – Academic Support Initiative
The Academic Tutoring Initiative provides targeted academic support in a structured, supportive environment. Youth receive individualized and small-group assistance to strengthen foundational skills, improve classroom engagement, and build positive study habits.
Tutoring complements AAYHF’s mentoring programs by reinforcing academic success as a key protective factor and supporting long-term educational outcomes.
Register for TutoringWatch the Highlights
Take a look at the highlights that tell our story.
- Check out AAYHF’s CEO Michael Lofton on Meet Manor Mondays! Click Here
- AAYHF empowers youth and families through community-based programs. Click Here
- CBS We Are Austin – Black History Segment featuring AAYHF. Click Here
- KVUE News – Manor ISD and AAYHF expand partnership. Click Here
- KVUE News – MLK III visits AAYHF. Click Here
- MLK III endorsement of the Harvest Beloved Community Model. Click Here
- MLK III speech. Click Here
- Austin Free Press. Click Here
- African American Youth Harvest Foundation Reflection 2025, Part 1. Click Here
- African American Youth Harvest Foundation Reflection 2025, Part 2. Click Here
Make Your Investment Today
Together, we can ensure that the Beloved Community is not only remembered but also made into a reality.
We invite you to stand with us and make your donation.
