Austin Youth Development (AYD) Program

Note: This is a year-round program 
The Austin Youth Development (AYD) Program is a crucial platform for youth aged 17-22. It focuses on personal development and employability skills, catering to those who may have had limited opportunities and are at risk of not completing high school.  The Program’s innovative design integrates educational and developmental activities into a year-long City work experience. Participants work 30-40 hours per week and engage in mandatory education programs, including GED or certification programs, tutoring, educational career guidance, graffiti removal, and lawn maintenance programs.

Community Youth Development (CYD) Program

Every other week, the City of Austin supports our students through the Community Youth Development program. Mentoring, youth leadership development, and establishing a Youth Advisory Committee are mandatory service components that each local CYD program must provide. In addition, a vast array of services have been developed to meet specific community youth needs, including: 

• academic support services
• life skills and career development
• character education
• conflict resolution
• rites of passage programs
• youth sports and recreational services, and
• programs to promote family support and involvement.

All CYD services are provided free of charge.