From teachers, when asked to describe the most noticeable positive change in the student:

• According to my 'reading results' assessments, she went from reading at below 1st grade level to reading at 4th grade level this year in English
• Much more confidence with regard to reading and comprehension. More consistent in all areas. She is more interested and a better independent worker.
• She has improved a great deal with her writing. It is much more clear and concise. She is applying the 5 step process, math concepts have also improved.

From parents, when asked to describe the most noticeable positive changes in their child:

• The support and dedication of the staff is phenomenal; they seem to take a personal interest in each and every child!
• It has helped with her homework, her ability to share with groups and with communicating better with adults.
• It had exposed him to art, to other cultures.
• She has improved in her writing and homework skills a great deal, also in her understanding of why school is important.
• It has helped her in integrating and adjusting to a new environment.

From the most important people, the children and youth leaders of NYA:

• I was smoking and doing drugs. My life—I was throwing it away, and when I came to NYA, I started getting out of that. I changed.
• The kids that come here are more into school and they try to do their best in their studies.
• We get shy kids that don't want to talk. As soon as they get into the program, they start talking. You can't shut them up because they love being here.
• It's important to have youth leaders in the community because they are positive role models for the kids.
• The program here is worth everything. I feel that I can do whatever I want to do. I know that I have encouragement from everywhere.
• I am a youth leader at Neighborhood Youth Association and I tutor several children and other youth leaders. NYA has taught me many valuable lessons in life and has guided me on the road toward success. With this help, I can surely achieve my goal.
• I am a senior at Venice High School and I am a member of the Bilingual Business Financial Academy. My goal is to become a computer engineer. Neighborhood Youth Association has been a great experience in my life. I have been a Youth Leader for more than a year. I think I am a good role model for the children at NYA. I do my best to help them understand the importance of education.
• I am a senior at Venice High School. NYA has had a great influence on the person I am now. I feel I can trust everyone at NYA and count on them anytime I need them. They have become part of my family and my life.

Additional Teacher comments:

• He was hesitant in receiving positive reinforcement. He was not receptive to human contact. Now he has developed a more positive teacher, student relationship.
• By June, I noticed high self-confidence and leadership potential.
• She has made steady growth in areas of reading/ writing throughout the year. I'm so proud of her! She is determined to do well in school now.
• I've seen him gain much more confidence in his work, with his peers and in solving his own problems.
• He has learned to solve problems through words instead of physical action.
• He participates more during class discussions. He has more self confidence.

More from the parents:

• I give my thanks to NYA for the help you have given to my child. She is better in everything. Thank you very much for everything and to everyone that makes this program possible.
• She has put more attention into her studies and wants to learn everything.
• They have helped his a lot with his grades.
• The tutoring has helped my son improve in school.
• NYA has helped her with finishing her homework and getting better grades.