AAYHF Weekly News & Updates
April 21, 2026
Huston–Tillotson Students Make a Difference Volunteering with AAYHF!
From programming to partnerships — here’s what’s new at AAYHF.
Hands-on service paired with meaningful connection
Huston–Tillotson Students Lend Helping Hands and Share in AAYHF’s Vision
This past Saturday, African American Youth Harvest Foundation was honored to welcome a dedicated group of Huston–Tillotson University students who volunteered their time and energy to support our mission. The students rolled up their sleeves and helped AAYHF organize our food and supply storage facility, creating much-needed space to prepare for additional incoming donations that will allow us to continue serving our community with excellence.
Beyond the important work of organizing and preparing our facility, students also had the opportunity to experience more of AAYHF’s growing footprint. Volunteers toured our expanding Harvest Manor Satellite location and visited the Blake Manor property, where they enjoyed the open land, scenic views, and unforgettable moments riding horses and ATVs.
We are incredibly grateful to the Huston–Tillotson students who chose to spend their Saturday giving their time, energy, and helping hands in support of AAYHF. Your willingness to serve makes a real difference and helps ensure we can continue distributing food and supplies to our beloved community.
AAYHF Featured on Meet Manor Monday
We’re excited to share that the African American Youth Harvest Foundation will be featured in the City of Manor’s weekly digital series, Meet Manor Monday. In this upcoming episode, Mr. Lofton highlights AAYHF’s ongoing work to expand access to healthy food options in Manor and strengthen food security for families across our community.
Viewers will hear more about how AAYHF’s food pantry, distribution efforts, and growing footprint are helping meet real needs while advancing a vision of equity, wellness, and community care.
Celebrating Excellence: Mrs. Elaine Lofton Honored at the She’s Golden Brunch
We are proud to share that AAYHF’s Chief Program Officer, Mrs. Elaine Lofton, was selected as one of this year’s She’s Golden Award recipients. This honor recognizes women who exemplify excellence in every space they lead.
Affectionately known throughout the AAYHF family as “Ms. Elaine,” she is the embodiment of servant leadership. Congratulations, Ms. Elaine! The community you so tirelessly serve celebrates you and this well-earned honor.
Mother’s Day Photoshoot Registration Is Now Open!
Registration is officially open for our 2026 Mother’s Day Photoshoot, and we can’t wait to celebrate the amazing mothers and mother figures who pour so much love into our community.
Why You’ll Love It
- A joyful, family-friendly atmosphere
- High-quality professional photos
- A heartfelt way to honor mothers and create lasting keepsakes
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 was accepted into the program, you should have received an email confirming acceptance along with important next steps and camp details. Families who are still interested are encouraged to join the waiting list, as openings may become available.
Earn a Technology Certification This Summer with AAYHF
The African American Youth Harvest Foundation 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.
This immersive summer program offers students the opportunity to earn a direct technology certification, including access to the Grow with Google Certification pathway. Participants will gain hands-on experience while building critical skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Program Highlights
Boys 2 Men – Mentorship & Leadership Development
Young men reflected on the importance of effort, intentionality, and making the most of every moment. This ongoing program meets every Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:30 PM, with open enrollment.
Queens2Be Exposed: Confidence. Purpose. Growth.
Participants focused on the power of initiative, learning how to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them. This program meets every Tuesday from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
KREW 12 – Digital Media & Production
KREW12 brought high energy and teamwork as students sharpened their skills in scriptwriting, camera angles, collaboration, and original storytelling. This ongoing program meets every Thursday from 5:15 PM – 7:30 PM.
Manor Mentoring – School Enrichment
Across Manor schools, students focused on core skills tied to citizenship, creativity, communication, and collaboration through engaging lessons and assessments.
Queens 2 Be – Mentorship & Empowerment
Queens 2 Be celebrated growth and responsibility through a hands-on Earth Day themed experience focused on nature, planting, and care for the environment. This ongoing program meets every Tuesday from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
STEM Technology Program
Students explored Earth Day through sustainability projects in Minecraft, designing pollinator-friendly bee habitats, polluted river cleanup models, and other creative solutions. This ongoing program meets every Thursday from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
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, improve classroom engagement, and build positive study habits.
Watch the Highlights
Take a look at the highlights that tell our story.
- AAYHF 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
- African American Youth Harvest Foundation Reflection 2025: Watch on YouTube
