Youth Programs

Youth Programs focus on academic achievement, leadership development, and strengthening ties to family and culture. Approximately, 300 youth from kindergarten to 12th grade were served in 2005 and 360 in 2006. The program provides homework assignment, tutoring assistance, developing self-esteem, motivating youth to use their talents, teaching team building skills, life and decision making skills, planning cultural events, and participating in recreational activities. The purpose of the program is:

To promote Cambodian American students academic achievement.
To instill a sense of community and pride in cultural heritage.

2009 Summer Program Success Story

Over this summer of 2009, UCAM provided two summer program sessions for young Cambodian and Karen children ages 3 to 12 years old. The program split in two sessions. First session was for children ages 3 to 6 years old. The second session was for children ages from 7 to 12 years old. Each session, it ran for four weeks, four days per week, and ranging from three to six hours per day; depends on certain day the hours was longer due to field trip.

In our session I group, we have about 15 mixes of Cambodian and Karen students. The majority of them were 3 and 4 years old. This was UCAM first summer that we have provided the program for children that young age. Some students are very young and new to America. The Karen students were fresh immigrants from Burma now known as Myanmar. The students barely understood English and they were anxiously wanted to learn. Some of the Cambodian students in this age range, they have never been away from their family members. With UCAM program, we design to assist young children be Independent and school readiness.

First day of the program, I went to pick up the students. There was a student, named Kayne. Kayne was three years old loves to carry his blanket wherever he goes and suck his thump. When I picked him up he cried and did not want to leave the house. We finally got him inside the van. Kayne cried through the entire van ride from his house to UCAM. The reason he cries because he was away the first time from his family and met unfamiliar faces. When he arrived to UCAM, he saw many children at his age participated in the activities and games that we provided; Kayne stopped crying and went to join the crowd. The next day I went to pick him up, Kayne only cried a bit. When he got to UCAM he went into the crowd forgotten all of his fear of not being around his family members. The third days, Kayne waited outside for me to pick him up. He was ready for a ride to UCAM program.

Our program really helped Kayne gained self confident and independent. Kayne has gained experience being in the classroom setting and around many children at his own age. When time for him to starts school, I am absolutely positive that Kayne is ready.

Youth that we serve tend to be:
Ready for school
Stay in school
Stay out of troubles
Have stronger relationship with parents and community

Your investment can change a kid's life...