Scholarships Send GYAC Students to College

The Gifford Youth Activity Center’s mission is to offer programs for children and youth in Gifford and surrounding communities that teach self-esteem, provide character development, enhance basic education and allow participants to reach their ultimate potential.  GYAC programs are intended to help increase high school and college graduation rates and lead to more success in adult life.  Twelve students have been awarded college scholarships this year, made possible through three scholarship funds. 

The Bob & Audrey Samuels Scholarship Fund, for African American males pursuing a higher education;  The Nicholas & Liz Melnick Scholarship Fund is available to both male and female students; and a generous donation by Mr. Laird Cleaver has set up a third scholarship fund for GYAC students.   The one prerequisite to apply for these scholarships is the students must have had a direct contact with the Gifford Youth Activity Center either as a student or volunteer.

The twelve students who received scholarships this year are:  Stephen Bennett, Tiesha Brown, Quintin Clark,  Earldeshia Crosdale, JoLanna Flowers, Curtis Hart, Jr., Cody Howard, Brea Jackson, Devonzia Paschal, Kiandre’a Pound, LaPorsha Rivers and Isa Wynn.

The scholarships will aid in moving these outstanding young people to the next step on the path to achieving their goals.  Providing funding for their education; is a foundational element necessary to acquire a solid plan for a successful life.

Back to School Bash School Supply Drive

The Gifford Youth Activity Center is collecting school supplies to help local youth get the 2013 school year off to a good start when school begins in August. School supplies; everything from paper and pencils, folders and crayons, binders and construction paper, to backpacks and calculators can be donated to GYAC.  Supplies are also being collected at several locations in the community for this School Supply Drive;  Holy Cross Catholic Church,  TD Bank, Northern Trust Bank, Disney Resorts, Piper Aircraft, Indian River County Transportation Department, The Community Church and HESS Gas and Supermarket in Gifford. Tax deductible cash donations are also gratefully accepted.  The GYAC staff can then shop for needed items to fill the required school supply lists.  Gifford Youth Activity Center is located at 4875 43rd Avenue in Vero Beach.  Donations are being accepted at GYAC on weekdays between 8am-5pm.

School supplies will be distributed at the “Back to School Bash” in August.   GYAC is partnering with the Indian River County Sherriff’s Department to students in grades K-12..  Volunteers will be needed to pack and distribute the supplies prior to the “August Back to School Bash”.  For additional information please contact:   Mr. Freddie Woolfork, 772-794-1005×234 – Email fwoolfork@GYAC.net  Gifford Youth Activity Center is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization and a United Way of Indian River County Agency.