Danielle Wright has an eager curiosity for learning

Sometimes there is a student who is always seeking, wondering, and exuding a very curious nature.  This student will typically go out of their way to uncover an unresolved answer and will crave more information.  He or she simply loves the art of learning and will never stop seeking understanding.  For YLLC-Hillside, that student is Julia Green Elementary School third-grader, Danielle Wright.  In most scenarios, you can find Danielle raising her hand to ask a question, in such a way as to put her whole body into getting that hand as high as it can go with a wide, eager grin.  Sometimes difficult to stay seated, she throws herself into learning as much as possible!  In fact, she was thrilled when Mr. Grubb donated iPads, as they have allowed her to explore new areas of learning with her great, curious spirit.

As outgoing as she is, it is no wonder that Danielle not only loves to dance and sing, but also possesses a soft, caring side shown in her desire to someday become a veterinarian.  Moreover, her YLLC teacher describes her as “polite and inquisitive.”

Danielle Wright, pictured in pink, is asking Belmont student all about nursing at "Make a Major Difference."

She makes friends easily with her outgoing personality and is always friendly toward everyone who comes to Youth Life Learning Centers.  Seemingly contagious, Danielle’s enthusiasm for learning has rubbed off on some of her YLLC-Hillside friends.  During “Make a Major Difference” last year, for example, Danielle had many questions for all of the Belmont students that came to talk about their major.  She wanted to know how things worked, what they studied, and what she would need to fill their shoes.  This allows teachers, visitors, volunteers and donors to see their influence first hand and answer any questions she may have, whether it’s homework-related or not.

Genuinely grateful for opportunities given to her, she would like to personally thank all volunteers and donors for helping her at Youth Life.  Her grades have improved with their help!

If you are not familiar with our programming, start acting like Danielle and get curious.  Sign up today to answer questions and teach students who are eager to learn.

After donating a major gift, Mr. Grubb now donates his time

If you’ve been keeping up with the news at Youth Life Learning Centers, you most likely read about our recent donation of now ten iPads and three laptops from Metro Nashville Public School teacher at Julia Green Elementary School, Mr. Gerald Grubb.  What you may not know is that after his donation, he took his belief in our programming even further when he became a regular volunteer for both YLLC-Hillside’s classes, kindergarten through first grade and second through fourth grade classes, for four days each week to assist the students in any way he can.

He just can’t stop teaching!  While some teachers might be exhausted after a full day of instructing third-graders, Mr. Grubb is ready for more.  

“His enthusiasm for children and their education is quite inspirational, and we hope that it will encourage other teachers to volunteer with Youth Life.  His impact is very obvious in the students’ excitement for coming to the center and learning,” says Jasmine Riley, YLLC-Hillside’s K-4th grade teacher.

While Mr. Grubb says, “Youth Life houses some very brilliant minds,” the Youth Life Learning Centers (YLLC) students he serves think he is “so cool.”

Although some are brilliant and very eager to learn, underprivileged students are often coming into our centers behind their public school peers.  Mr. Grubb hopes that volunteering with Youth Life Learning Centers will encourage other teachers—kindergarten, elementary, middle school, high school, and even college— to donate additional time and passion for teaching to these inner-city students.  

Photograph taken by Claire Wise with Claire Wise Photography.

“…it is a pleasure to serve them [YLLC students] indirectly,” says Tamela Brooks

Tamela Brooks, a 22-year-old recent graduate of Texas Southern University and employee at Girls Incorporated Memphis, was introduced to Youth Life Learning Centers through an orientation week for Downline Ministries’ “Emerging Leaders Program.”  She serves our non-profit in a unique way.  Rather than working directly with YLLC students like many of our volunteers, Tamela assists the YLLC-Memphis teacher with any administrative needs on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

“Although I’m not with the students, it is a pleasure to serve them indirectly… [This] allows her [YLLC-Memphis teacher] to minister to the students whole heartedly, not worrying if something needs to be done or not,” says Tamela.

From scheduling and evaluations to activity time and snacks, Tamela is able to serve Youth Life students and their families under the radar.  Her service has made it clear that you don’t have to even have a direct relationship with students to make a major impact on them.

Administrative volunteering at Youth Life Learning Centers allows those who are not able to volunteer during regular program hours to still contribute their time and efforts into our services.  Whether you can help out in the office or at the center closest to you, we invite you to become apart of the volunteering experience at YLLC.  Trust me:  you will not be bored.

We certainly want to acknowledge this under the radar volunteer for her helpful hand in serving our at-risk, inner-city students in Memphis.

MNPS teacher, Mr. Grubb, donates iPads, laptops to help close achievement gap

YLLC-Hillside is starting the 2012 year off right with some very generous donations to enhance education.  Mr. Gerald Grubb, a Metro Nashville Public School teacher, donated three new laptop computers and five new iPads that include at least 125 educational apps for students.  What is more –Gerald made this decision at his own leisure without encouragement from others, which demonstrates his passion and dedication to improving education for Tennessee’s students.

This very generous gift isn’t just new technology; it runs far deeper than that.  Mr. Grubb intentionally donated these items in order to allow YLLC students to experience the same technology that is accessible to other, more privileged students in the state.  Because he wants to give Youth Life’s inner-city students the  same opportunity, he felt how better to do that than with brand new, upgraded technology.

Upon seeing the generous gifts, students were terribly excited.  “I can’t wait to get on the iPad!” exclaims one student.

“Allowing these students continued access to such advanced technology with the amount of time that Youth Life engages them is vital in closing the achievement gap,” states Mr. Grubb.

So how does this new technology help close the achievement gap?  “…these devices engage and captivate students; they are learning without realizing it,” says YLLC-Hillside teacher.  “[the donation] will help students master academic skills at all levels –from learning how to read and gaining additional math skills to practicing writing and grammar skills,” says Yolanda Shields, Youth Life’s CEO.

Technology will never go out of style.  We will see it progressively be a fundamental part of learning as one can access information with ease, learn through various programs and in different ways and broaden their way of thinking.  Familiarity with these devices is key for future success, and the more practice we allow our students to get, the better they will be in classrooms of the future.

Watch our  video to see Mr. Grubb help students interact with their new iPads and listen to what they like most about them.

If you missed WSMV Channel 4’s coverage on Mr. Grubb’s donation, visit click here to read the follow-up article, “Metro teacher donates iPads to learning center.”

$Ten for Tenn.

Donate as little as $10 each month

Whether you are supporting three children, are constantly on the move for meetings or are hoping you can go out this weekend with your friends, those of us in the volunteer state may find it nearly impossible to volunteer.  You then turn to donations.  You think to yourself, “I can’t give a major donation; I have a trip to save up for and bills to pay!”  Luckily, Youth Life has the answer!

In celebration of its tenth anniversary, Youth Life Foundation of Tennessee (YLFT) is approaching donations a little differently.  You may have noticed our Ten for Tenn. logo in our e-newsletter.  We’re making it easy for those who want to support our cause by encouraging them to donate as little as $10 each month rather than in bulk.  Because YLFT depends on donations to continue our after-school programming, you will be directly supporting our centers, and in turn, our cause.  Still not convinced $10 for Tenn. is for you?  Well, allow me to provide you with several reasons you should sign up to give!

• It’s for tight schedules.
• It’s for tight budgets. 
• It’s easy!
• You can stop at anytime.

Your $10 will go further than you think.  With your participation, we will be able to continue to serve our YLLC youth.  Click here to start donating and select monthly over the “Frequency” drop-down menu.  Make the next ten years even better and pass the word on to ten friends!  If at anytime you want to stop your donations, just contact us at Youth Life, and we will take care of it immediately.  So what are you waiting for?  Try it out for a few months and see that it doesn’t cut into your banking account at all, but that over time your donations will make a great impact on this community.

Donate for a worthy cause.  Donate for worthy at-risk youth.  Donate for education.  Donate for opportunity.  Donate for Tennessee.