Youth Education Town (YET)

 

 

NFL Youth Education Towns (NFL YET)

NFL Youth Education Towns (NFL YETs) are educational and recreation centers constructed in Super Bowl host cities as the lasting legacies of the games.  In order to positively impact the lives of youths living in often-troubled neighborhoods in Super Bowl Cities, the NFL donates $1 million toward each NFL YET project.  Other funding comes from local public and private support, and it is the NFL's goal that each NFL YET remain a viable force in their communities long after a Super Bowl has been played.  To this end, the NFL requires each host city to establish a 10-year operating plan, which includes a funding commitment for ongoing operational, management and program expenses.

Presently, there are 15 NFL YETs operating in twelve cities-Los Angeles, San Diego (2), Phoenix, New Orleans, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Detroit, Atlanta, Tampa (2), Jacksonville, Houston (2), and Honolulu where the NFL Pro Bowl has been played from 1980 thru 2009.

In 2003, the NFL enlisted the support of Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to work hand-in-hand with local NFL YETs to ensure that each offer programs and services that most effectively meet the needs of communities served through educational enhancement, technical training, life-skills development and recreational outlets.  NFL YET facilities vary, as do the number of children that they serve, but many include libraries, classrooms, technology labs, physical fitness centers, recreation fields and other resources.  In many locations, NFL YETs offer full-day school programs, as well as after-school services.

The NFL YET mission is all about making connections between children, staff, volunteers and the communities they serve.  Now more than ever, as one family, NFL YETs are truly united and committed to making a positive, lasting difference in the lives of children.

South Florida's NFL YETs
Miami in 1995 - Super Bowl XXIX

The NFL YET, at Gwen Cherry Park in Miami is the result of Super Bowl XXIX, which was hosted in Miami, Florida in 1995. This YET is the only NFL Youth Education Town in Miami-Dade County. Each year the center serves over 800 at-risk kids through its unique private/public partnership design. The YET houses Communities-In-Schools (which oversees all of its educational services in the private sector), Boys & Girls Club of Miami (which oversees all of its optimist type competitive sports in the private sector), and Miami-Dade County Parks & Recreation Department (which oversees all the grassroots sports, cultural activities, facility maintenance and grounds maintenance, as well as the onsite director). The YET is designed to give children a safe place to study, receive homework assistance, learn computer technology, participate in cultural experiences, play sports and be a kid. The YET services members age 6 to 14, and believe all members deserve to know and experience the good things in life, as well as understand they can be whatever they choose.

Ft. Lauderdale in 1999 - Super Bowl XXXIII

Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999 was held in South Florida and opened the next South Florida YET in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The NFL YET, Lester H. White Boys & Girls Club opened for services in September 2000. It provides a drop-in center for youth focusing on the ages of 7 to 18. National Boys & Girls Club Programs are implemented in the areas of character and leadership, education and career development, the arts, health and life skills and sports, fitness and recreation and services approximately 150 children per day and 980 per year.

As the Super Bowl returns to South Florida in 2010, the NFL and Host Committee will continue to work with our two existing Youth Education Towns to fortify and expand their programs.

Additional Information:

  • How can I make a donation to the Miami YET?
  • Who operates the YET?
  • What programs and resources are available at the YET? 
  • Where is the YET located?
  • What is the history of the NFL YET?

How can I make a donation to the South Florida YET?
If you would like to make a personal donation to our local YET's, please contact the Host Committee.

Who operates the YET?
Boys & Girls Club of Florida is the managing partner of the local YET's

What programs and resources are available at the YET?

  • State of the art computer and technology classrooms
  • Tutoring and mentoring
  • Homework help
  • Library and literacy skills training
  • Physical fitness rooms including gymnasium
  • Social recreation

What is the history of the NFL YET?
The YET concept evolved about 14 years ago in Los Angeles at Super Bowl XXVII. The NFL sought a way to positively impact the nation's communities after the games were played by using sports as a means to foster community development. Since then, the NFL has challenged each Super Bowl host city to create a YET in areas needing community restoration. Recently, the NFL has joined forces with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to strengthen and expand the YET initiative and improve the quality of services offered.