About CYP

Together, we're changing lives!

The Community Youth Program is a nonprofit organization that provides year-round academic and enrichment programming to 4th-8th grade Roanoke City Public School students facing adversity in their everyday lives. The goal of CYP is to encourage learning, promote healthy mental and physical development, and provide a network of support for students and their families.

CYP is dedicated to maintaining an environment where all people, from all backgrounds, feel welcomed and included. We are committed to fostering a space where children, families, employees, and community members feel respected and valued every time they connect with CYP. We view CYP as a supportive, educational organization that not only welcomes varied perspectives and experiences but invites and encourages them, because ultimately, we believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to serve those around us.

CYP does not discriminate; we welcome. We do not exclude; we include. We do not devalue others based on their differences; we value all perspectives and all experiences. Community Youth Program is about coming together, truly together, in support of the children and families in our community who need us.

Our Story

CYP was started in August 1998 by a group of parishioners at St. John’s Episcopal Church. After a lot of research and conversations in the community, they found that there were few afterschool and summer programs in Roanoke City for middle school youth. Thus began CYP!

As the years went by, we expanded to include 4th & 5th graders so that we could work with the students longer and make more of a difference in their lives. Many students spend 5 years at CYP!

While CYP is housed in the St. John’s Episcopal Church we are our own nonprofit organization and not affiliated with any religion. CYP is a non-profit organization and there is no cost for students to attend. We fund the program through grants and fundraisers.