Why YDI? 

Youth Discovery Inc is dedicated to serving the needs of Latino and minority youth

Youth Discovery’s goal is to see that every Latino and other minority youth has the same opportunities for education and achieving a full life, fulfilling their full potential, as every other youth in America. Currently this is not the case. Latinos are performing at about 1/3 the rate of white students across America. But we believe that with minor intervention that the current status quo can be changed. We believe that as communities implement the Diversity Initiative, and schools implement the Self-Discovery Class, that Latino and minority students will blossom into much higher achieving individuals.

52 Million American Latino Youth Will Miss The American Dream

Extrapolating from US Population projections (1) we estimate that during the period from 2012 to the year 2050 there will be approximately 60 Million Latino youth, in the U.S., between the ages of 1 and 17. As these youth mature about 48%, (depending on the reference you read), or 29 Million will drop out of school before high school graduation. Only about 12 Million, or 20%, will enroll in higher education. Of those, only about 60%, or 8 Million, will graduate. Thus, out of 60 Million Latino youth, between 29 Million and 52 Million will not realize the American Dream of achieving an education that enables a lifestyle of the majority of Americans.

It is the goal of Youth Discovery Inc, YDI, to greatly improve this picture. We believe that with minor intervention in the lives of these youth that they can achieve life performance at least on a par with their Caucasian counterparts. For example cutting the high school drop out rate to 16%, the rate for Caucasians, would graduate another 21 Million from high school. Increasing the college enrollment and graduation rate to that of Caucasians of 34%would enable 18 Million more degrees. Combined, this accounts for roughly another 39 Million Latinos who are better educated for the American workplace.

Similar statistics apply to other minorities and youth from low income families of all races and backgrounds.

(Note: The estimates of high school graduation rates, university or trade school degree rates, and such, vary dramatically depending on the source. These numbers are representative estimates only.)

We can cut these numbers in half!

We at YDI believe that more than doubling the college graduation rate of minority youth is well within the realm of possibility. The major factors inhibiting disadvantaged youth from achieving their full potential can be achieved with a well organized program of (1) education, (2) improving the youth’s self-expectation, and (3) helping them find the financial resources that are already available.

Improving the lives of over 39 Million youth between 2012 and 2050 is our goal, which we firmly believe is achievable.

Join us in this great adventure!

Implement our Latino Initiative in your community

Help us complete the Self-Discovery Class and implement it in the schools.

Volunteer with us or other agencies performing these services to youth.

Donate $ to our programs (By the way, I, Carlos B. Roundy, President of YDI, have already spent over $700,000 of my own money on YDI, and intend to spend everything I have over and above what it takes to pay my bills. Just so you know, I’m putting my money where my mouth is!)

Write Grants for us

Volunteer with youth (Also by the way, I’ve spent 34 years as a Scoutmaster, 17 of which have been with Latino Scout Troops. Our Latino Troops have produced about 12 Eagle Scouts in Cache Valley, Utah, compared to about 1 other Latino in all the other troops combined. Plus, I’m 76 years old (living like I’m only 55), retired, but spending all my time on YDI. I don’t expect others to spend this much time, I just want you to know that I’m committed, and I’m not asking for anything that I’m not doing myself.)

References

(1) http://www.pewhispanic.org/2008/02/11/us-population-projections-2005-2050/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achievement_gap_in_the_United_States

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/24/education/census-finds-bachelors-degrees-at-record-level.html

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-02-11-population-study_N.htm

http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2010-07-30-poll-hispanic-college_N.htm

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/hhmcensus1.html