About Us
LYLA exists to nurture and develop the leadership of young African and Caribbean males, empowering them to become the next generation of successful leaders.
We provide educational and emotional support to boys in Luton & Bedfordshire aged 8-18, identified as being at risk of exclusion from school. Students are referred to us by local schools, faith groups, the Police, Social Services, youth agencies, etc.
Origins
LYLA is a sister charity of Eastside Young Leaders Academy, based in Newham, East London – www.eyla.org.uk. This is one of the fastest growing and most respected organisations in the black voluntary sector today. In 2007 it was chosen by The Guardian newspaper as one of its Charities of the Year.
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EYLA was established in 2002 by Ray Lewis a former governor in H.M Prison Service, and recently appointed Deputy Mayor of London for Youth.
The EYLA model is based on the work of the Young Leaders Academy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana www.youngleaders.org, which has been recognised with awards by two US Presidents for its positive impact on the lives of young black men.
Objectives
Like all the young leaders academies our goal is to instil the tenets of success in our students from an early age and in so doing, create an understanding of the opportunities that are available to them.
We want our young Leaders to become positive role models in their communities and to go on to
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be men of influence in their chosen fields. We also aim to achieve the following:-
- 100% of students achieving at least 2 A’ Levels
- 75% of students being offered a university place
- 100% no referrals to the criminal justice system
- 100% involvement in community and civic activities
Our Strategy
- Provide high quality tuition
- Broaden our student’s horizons through exposure to business, the arts and civil society
- Create a mind-set of intellectual curiosity through contact with people of excellence
- Instil values and principles in the context of respect and boundaries