news release

Youth Guidance received a $7,500 grant from the TD Charitable Foundation to support its academic enrichment program.

The grant has allowed Youth Guidance to expand its academic enrichment opportunities for children and teens across Indian River County.

Funding supported 93 youth with limited resources, providing tutoring with certified teachers, book clubs, and enrichment activities, including cooking, woodworking, teen leadership, and more. The grant helped young people overcome challenges, develop strong academic foundations, and gain the skills and supportive relationships that prepare them for lifelong success.

Specific outcomes were as follows:

– 96% of students participating in the Youth Guidance math intervention group improved their assessment scores by 20% or more from pre- to post-test.

– 100% of students in the Youth Guidance summer literacy intervention group increased their oral fluency from pre- to post-test.

– 93% of students who attended Youth Guidance for at least 40 hours in the 2026 Spring Semester achieved a school attendance rate of 90% or higher.

Kyrstyn’s progress shows the impact of academic support. When she first joined Youth Guidance’s reading intervention program last summer, she struggled with reading confidence. Thanks to certified teachers at Youth Guidance and the Read Naturally program, her reading fluency has grown 62%, increasing from 58 to 94 words per minute, and reaching grade-level proficiency. Today, Kyrstyn takes pride in meeting her daily reading goals.

Youth Guidance extends a heartfelt thank you to TD Bank and the TD Charitable Foundation for investing in the success of local students. This partnership helps young people achieve academic success and create brighter futures through lasting support, encouragement, and opportunity.

About Youth Guidance:

Youth Guidance is dedicated to enriching the lives of Indian River County youth through mentoring relationships that build trust, self-esteem, and pathways to academic and career success. Founded in 1973, Youth Guidance provides three key programs, including: the Pathways Afterschool Program, Summer Enrichment Program, and Pre-Apprenticeship Program. If you are interested in supporting or learning more about Youth Guidance, please call (772) 492-3933, or visit www.youthguidanceprogram.org.

About TD Charitable Foundation:
The TD Charitable Foundation is committed to strengthening communities by investing in programs that create opportunity, foster inclusion, and improve quality of life for underserved populations. Through the TD Ready Commitment, the Foundation supports initiatives that help children and families access the resources they need to thrive, with an emphasis on building stronger, more connected communities and expanding pathways to long-term financial security and educational success. Their giving prioritizes organizations that remove barriers to opportunity and empower individuals to reach their full potential. To learn more about the TD Charitable Foundation and its funding opportunities, visit here.