About US
Serving our Community Since 1973
Youth Co-Op is an organization whose focus is to serve youth and families in their quest to become financially independent and self-sufficient. For over 50 years it has been changing the lives of disconnected youth, families, immigrants, refugees and asylees through training, access to jobs and mentoring. A customer-friendly approach in service delivery is YCI’s trademark. Staff and management combine the business acumen with the non-profit principle of bettering the communities in which we operate.
Our Mission
Youth Co-Op’s mission is to promote the social well-being of Florida youth and families through education, employment, and empowerment, or e3.
Opportunities and Programs:
- BACK TO WORK 50+
- First time jobs for youth through internship opportunities
- Career information, employment search and training opportunities
- Business services through comprehensive and flexible HR solutions
- Legal services for immigration matters
- Refugee services, including reception & placement, resettlement, services to unaccompanied minors, refugee youth program
- READY4Life
Education
Youth Co-Op Charter School and Youth Co-Op Preparatory High School offer to parents and students state-of-the-art facilities, high academic standards, and highly qualified and dedicated teachers in a tuition-free private school atmosphere.
With a commitment to excellence, our Schools provide students with individualized attention in a dynamic partnership with students and parents to ensure every student’s success in and outside the classroom
A Message from the President
Connie Perez-Borroto
Leading Youth Co-Op through the 21st Century as President and CEO is a privilege and a responsibility that I embrace with deep commitment. Youth Co-Op, Inc. works to promote innovative programs with direct impact on the community, empowering individuals to build a brighter future through education and employment, and identifying and strengthening their knowledge, skills, talents, and abilities.
Inspired by the dedicated people who support and share our vision, our board and staff members work tirelessly with a high sense of dedication, and we are certain that with quality services, creativity, and your involvement, we will be able to fulfill our mission.
We value the active participation of individuals and organizations that share our desire to improve the quality of life within our community. It is through these combined efforts and the generous support of our volunteers, partners, and donors that we are able to implement impactful programs.
I want to take this opportunity to invite you to join us in this exciting endeavor and to learn more about what is happening at Youth Co-Op, Inc.
Our Story
In the early 1970’s, a group of community leaders came together to build positive futures for at-risk youth. After receiving our first grant of $25,000, our staff recognized that only working with youth would not be as productive as working with their families as well.
Soon after, YCI implemented job training and education programs that helped put parents and family members to work in good jobs with benefits that led to promotions and salary increases.
Today YCI provides quality, cost-effective services to our participants at no cost. Our mission is based upon-a proven formula to educate, employ, and empower. Each year we meet the needs of thousands using this formula as our guide. YCI’s vision is to be Florida’s human services partner of choice, delivering the quality services that focus on youth and families and add value to the communities in which we serve.
Awards & Recognitions
