United Way of Central Alabama believes young people need community support—both in and out of school
Yet across Alabama, about one in four children ages 6–17 do not participate in organized extracurricular activities, and 27.5% of high school students report their mental health is poor most or all of the time.
United Way offers youth support through its many after-school and mentoring programs for youth in Central Alabama that improve academic performance and coping skills and help prepare them for college, careers and life.
meet our partners in youth supportYouth Support Impact
Youth participated in academic/career support programs in 2025
Youth Support Solutions
Educational Support
Providing tutoring and academic help in subjects such as math, reading and writing to enhance youth learning and achievement.
After-School Programs
Engaging activities offered after school that explore arts, sports and educational activities to support development and social interaction.
Summer Day Camp Programs
Day camps providing educational and recreational activities during summer breaks.
Life Skills Development
Programs focused on teaching essential life skills to young people.
Youth Empowerment Initiatives
Programs designed to boost confidence and leadership skills in youth.
Mentorship Programs
Connecting young individuals with caring mentors who offer guidance, encouragement and positive role modeling to guide and support personal growth.
Behavioral Health and Counseling Services
Offering mental health and behavioral support tailored for young individuals to address emotional well-being.
STEM Programs
Providing hands-on science, technology, engineering and math enrichment activities outside of school hours.
Career Coaching
Workshops on resume building, interview skills and job-search strategies to help young people prepare for the future.
More Ways UWCA Supports Youth
- Youth Health & Wellness
- Early Childhood Education & Development
More Ways UWCA Supports Youth
Youth Health & Wellness
Supporting the social-emotional and physical health of our youth is a top priority of United Way. We provide health screenings, improve access to nutrition and physical activities, offer mental health support and more to help our youth grow stronger.
Learn MoreEarly Childhood Education & Development
United Way of Central Alabama works to address disparity and improve outcomes for children by increasing the capacity of childcare centers, improvi…
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MEET THE PARTNERS & PROGRAMS Working Together to Help Young People Thrive
United Way of Central Alabama provides youth-support services directly and funds trusted partner agencies throughout Central Alabama. Together, these programs and organizations help young people succeed in school, build essential life skills and prepare for healthy, productive futures.
A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club
Helps at-risk youth through educational, recreational and leadership activities.
Better Basics
Works to combat educational disparities across Central Alabama with reading and math literacy programs and book distribution projects.
Birmingham Jewish Federation
Serves the Jewish community in any way possible.
Scouting America – Black Warrior Council
Provides citizenship training, character development and personal fitness to participating youth.
Boy Scouts of America – Greater Alabama Council
Provides citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness to participating youth.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama
Provides a safe place to learn and grow through life-enhancing programs and character development.
BridgeWays
Provides opportunities for youth to realize their potential and to function effectively as caring, self-directed individuals.
Developing Alabama Youth Foundation
Offers an alternative academic program, including counseling, for at-risk adolescents in Shelby County, enabling them to re-enter public schools.
Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama
Builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
Girls Inc.
Provides after-school, holiday and summer activities in its centers and through outreach programs to develop girls who are strong, smart and bold.
Developing Alabama Youth Foundation
Offers an alternative academic program, including counseling, for at-risk adolescents in Shelby County, enabling them to re-enter public schools.
Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama
Builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
Girls Incorporated of Central Alabama
Provides after-school, holiday and summer activities in its centers and through outreach programs to develop girls who are strong, smart and bold.
Legacy YMCA
Provides programs and activities designed to develop the spirit, mind and body of children, teens, adults and seniors in west Jefferson County.
SPAN (Special Programming for Achievement Network)
Provides education, counseling and positive influences for youth in need.
St. Clair County Day Program
A day treatment program with an academic component for at-risk adolescents, providing Juvenile Court with an alternative to incarceration.
United Community Centers (Riley Center)
Serves western-area senior citizens with programs such as daycare, health screening, crime prevention and food distribution.
YMCA of Chilton County
Offers summer camp, afterschool care, child watch programs, sports programs, as well as youth, adult and senior memberships.
YMCA of Greater Birmingham
Offers day care, summer day camps, after-school care, literacy programs and youth, adult and senior activities.