FOCUSING ON ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR AT-RISK YOUTH.

In 2009, retired mathematics teacher, Dr. Gloria Shell Mitchell, began implementing ways to address social issues that negatively impact academic performance in the middle grades.  Her goal was to help reduce the high school drop out rate, improve state test scores in mathematics (especially for under-achieving African American males), encourage teachers and parents not to give up on youths, and enhance knowledge of basic mathematical skills by offering opportunities to have fun solving real-life problems.

The vision of JOY is to reach and teach at-risk youths (ages 10-15) and hurting families; train youths to respect authorities, others and themselves; provide educational enrichment and opportunities to discover individual talents, enhance intellect and build self-esteem; and provide wholesome activities in a nurturing environment to improve public safety.