News
When amazing things are happening every day, a monthly newsletter does not do justice! Check this page for more frequent updates on the happenings, news, and events of YDO.
Celebrating 20 Years
02.03.26
The first official YDO program was launched when our founder, Howard, combined a few key ingredients: Those ingredients combined can (and did) make for a successful enrichment experience. However, Howard…
Cambio Scholars Getting Started
01.02.26
“Cultivating Access to Medicine, Biotech, and Integrated Opportunities” YDO is one of ten Lawrence nonprofits working as a collaborative with Merrimack Health Lawrence…
Our 2025 Impact Report
12.19.25
In 2025, we raised the bar higher again, serving over 750 individual students. We created more than 100 youth jobs to help deliver afterschool and summer programs. And, we saw 58% of YDO Kids take part…
Eagle Tribune’s Front-Page Coverage of Boat Launch
08.12.24
Launching the future: YDO boat-building program teaches confidence LAWRENCE — Ask the creative arts director at the Youth Development Organization what its Makehers program builds and she’ll tell…
New Grant “Kicks” YDO Performing Arts into Next Gear
04.01.24
Over the past year, student interest and collaborative opportunities have allowed new performing arts programming to blossom at YDO. First, in partnership with Phillips Academy in Andover (PA), we launched…
YDO Loses a Friend, Gains an Angel
04.14.23
The YDO Board of Directors, staff, and students express our deepest gratitude to Anita Rajan Worden for her commitment and contributions to the YDO community. Regrettably, we share that Anita passed…