Mission Statement

Through caring mentoring, quality teaching, and enriched community experiences, Empowering Youths of Iowa empowers youths at risk of school failure and drop out to improve their lives and community.

EYI is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young people from Cedar Rapids, IA of all backgrounds (ethnicities, colors, familial status and income, genders and gender identities, and sexual orientations) who are at risk of school failure or drop out become successful academically, vocationally, emotionally, and socially.​

Empowering Youths of Iowa works with Cedar Rapids public school youths at risk of school drop out due to the pandemic, derecho, neglect, poverty, academic struggle, and more. While EYI's staff of veteran teachers teaches academic, life, and career skills, an adult mentor matched with each youth provides additional care and support. Together, staff and mentors promote a growth mindset and intrinsic motivation in each youth, empowering them to set and pursue positive life goals.

In addition to the positive impact on each youth, EYI's work improves our community - more highly-educated citizens, less poverty, higher earnings which boosts our economy, less crime, less government assistance needed, and healthier citizens.

Overview of Services