***PRESS RELEASE*** Martin Luther King III will present a special dedication honoring over 20 years of service by the African American Youth Harvest Foundation on January 6–7, 2026.  —  Click Here to View the Press Release

AAYHF NEWS

Join Us This Saturday For AAYHF’s Community Engagement Resource Fair In Manor!

AAYHF Weekly News & Updates | March 24, 2026

Join Us This Saturday for AAYHF’s Community Engagement Resource Fair in Manor!

Bringing families, resources, and community together at the Harvest Manor Community Wellness & Resource Center.

Community Engagement Resource Fair flyer
Spring Break Camp group photo

Spring Break Camp: Another Successful Year in the Books

AAYHF is proud to celebrate another successful year of engaging, impactful Spring Break Camp programming. Campers experienced a dynamic blend of learning, creativity, movement, and connection.

Students participated in activities supporting academic growth, digital literacy, physical wellness, and social-emotional development. STEM activities encouraged problem-solving and critical thinking, chess instruction strengthened focus and strategy, and creative outlets supported emotional wellness and self-confidence.

Spring Break Camp continues to reflect AAYHF’s mission to empower youth through education, enrichment, and holistic support.

Click Here To Donate
Youth Skills and Employment Accelerator announcement

AAYHF Selected as One of 15 Nonprofits Nationwide to Receive Special AI Training for Youth

AAYHF has been selected as one of only 15 nonprofit organizations across the United States 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.

Through this program, AAYHF will join a national network of organizations focused on strengthening pathways from education and training into meaningful employment as technology and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the workforce.

This recognition affirms AAYHF’s long-standing commitment to preparing youth for success in a rapidly changing world through STEM education, robotics, coding, engineering, social-emotional learning, and wraparound services.

AAYHF youth and staff group photo

AAYHF Awarded Kars4Kids Small Grant

AAYHF has been selected as a Kars4Kids Small Grant recipient, recognizing our ongoing commitment to supporting youth and families through holistic, community-based programs.

In a recent feature published by Kars4Kids, Chief Program Officer Elaine Lofton shared insight into the communities AAYHF serves, the evolution of the mission, and how programs are creating pathways to stability, growth, and opportunity across Greater Austin, Manor, Pflugerville, and East Austin.

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AAYHF connects with families at resource fair

AAYHF Connects with Families at HACA Spring Youth Resource Fair

AAYHF recently participated in the HACA Spring Youth Resource Fair, held on Thursday, March 19, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The outdoor event created a welcoming, come-and-go environment for families and community members to learn more about available resources.

The AAYHF team connected directly with families, shared information about programs, captured contacts for follow-up and potential program enrollment, and strengthened visibility within the HACA community network.

Stronger Together: Celebrating Our Thrivent Partnership along with HBCUs

AAYHF is proud to have a longstanding partnership with Thrivent, rooted in a shared commitment to service and community impact.

This past weekend, Thrivent, alongside over 200 youth representing 25 HBCUs, came together to assemble 8,750 snack packages and 1,000 affirmation cards for Urban University Summer Camp.

Inspired by the work of the Harvest Foundation, Thrivent increased their generous $5,000 donation to $10,000 on the spot, further strengthening AAYHF’s ability to serve youth and families in Central Texas.

Thrivent and AAYHF partnership event
AAYHF meeting with Austin Serenity

AAYHF Meets with Austin Serenity to Explore Healing Partnerships

AAYHF met with Austin Serenity to explore meaningful ways to collaborate and expand healing-centered services for youth and families.

The discussion focused on how AAYHF’s Equine Healing Program can support emotional wellness and personal growth through therapeutic, horse-assisted experiences that build emotional regulation, confidence, trust, and leadership skills.

AAYHF staff touring Harvest Manor

AAYHF Staff Tour the Satellite Manor Harvest Office

AAYHF staff toured the newly renovated Harvest Manor Community Wellness & Resource Center, getting a firsthand look at the space that will soon serve as a hub for community, healing, and opportunity.

The walkthrough highlighted thoughtful renovations that have transformed the building into a welcoming, functional environment designed with access and care in mind.

From Vision to Transformation: A Look Inside the Satellite Harvest Manor Renovation

What was once an empty building is being transformed into a vibrant space rooted in purpose, care, and community. Through months of dedicated work by staff, volunteers, contractors, and community partners, Harvest Manor Satellite Office is coming to life as a welcoming hub for youth, families, and collaborative services.

From repairs and renovations to fresh paint, cleaning, and thoughtful updates throughout the building, every detail reflects a shared commitment to creating a space where healing, connection, and opportunity can thrive.

Help Move This Work Forward

What we’re building together matters now more than ever. Your contribution strengthens community-led solutions that create lasting impact and bring the Beloved Community to life.

Donate Here

AAYHF in Action: National CARES Mentoring Movement, New York

AAYHF proudly participated in a national convening in New York hosted by the National CARES Mentoring Movement, joining community leaders and affiliate partners committed to mentoring, healing, and empowering youth.

AAYHF’s presence reflects an ongoing commitment to aligning local impact with national strategies, strengthening partnerships, sharing best practices, and advancing collective solutions for youth and families.

Mentor and Mingle group

Mentor and Mingle: A Night of Connection and Community

AAYHF hosted another successful Mentor & Mingle, bringing together community members, mentors, and supporters for an evening rooted in connection and conversation.

Attendees gathered over a BBQ meal prepared by Mentor DeAndre, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment for meaningful dialogue about service, leadership, and supporting youth.

Program Highlights & Registration

Boys 2 Men – Mentorship & Leadership Development

This week, Boys 2 Men focused on how to properly greet others with respect and confidence. Mentees practiced eye contact, polite words, and proper handshakes while learning how respectful greetings can build trust at school, in the community, and in future professional settings.

Meets: Tuesdays from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM, with open enrollment.

Register for Boys 2 Men

Queens2Be Exposed: Confidence. Purpose. Growth.

Participants engaged in three interactive stations focused on character, personal awareness, positive choices, reputation building, and leadership.

Meets: Thursdays from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.

Register for Queens2Be Exposed

KREW 12 – Digital Media & Production

Krew12 students continued a group puzzle challenge that became a powerful lesson in collaboration, communication, focus, and teamwork before shifting into the next phase of their curriculum: script writing.

Meets: Thursdays from 5:15 PM – 7:30 PM.

Register for Krew 12

Manor Mentoring – School Enrichment

Students participated in physical activities designed to help them relax, reset, improve mood, reduce stress, and support mental health before Spring Break.

Register for Manor Mentoring

Queens 2 Be – Mentorship & Empowerment

This week’s session focused on “Showing Up.” The girls played “Queen Says,” completed Human Knot activities, enjoyed pizza, and discussed lessons from The Princess and the Frog about determination, hard work, and opportunity.

Meets: Tuesdays from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM.

Register for Queens 2 Be

STEM Technology Program

Students watched the first half of Big Hero 6 as an introduction to robotics and innovation, then began assembling smart robot car kits to practice engineering skills and learn how components work together.

Meets: Thursdays from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM.

Register for STEM

Tutoring – 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, classroom engagement, and study habits.

Register for Tutoring

Become a Mentor

To learn more about AAYHF mentors and hear from them directly, watch the mentor highlight video and get involved today.

Watch the Highlights

Take a look at the highlights that tell our story.

  • AAYHF Empowers Youth and Families through Community-Based Programs: Click Here
  • CBS We Are Austin – Black History Segment featuring AAYHF: Click Here
  • Krew12 Visits KVUE News Station: 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.

Stand with AAYHF and make your donation today.

Click Here to Donate

Contact AAYHF

African American Youth Harvest Foundation, Inc.

6633 Hwy 290 East, Suite 307, Austin, TX 78723

Phone: 512-428-4480 | Email: contactus@aayhf.org

Website: www.aayhf.org

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