YouthQuest is now in person at Flint Community Schools and Flint Cultural Center Academy and will soon be back at International Academy of Flint. YouthQuest staff are excited to see all the YouthQuest students face-to-face again and continue providing the high-quality programming YouthQuest has delivered for the past 11 years.
With a new school year starting, now is a great time to get to know all the YouthQuest Site Team Leaders. The Afterschool Download editors asked YouthQuest Site Team Leaders questions to get to know them better. Here is what they had to say.
Keoshia Cook, Durant Tuuri Mott Elementary
In your opinion, what is the biggest benefit of YouthQuest?
The biggest benefits students get out of YouthQuest is having a safe supportive environment filled with fun that allows them to learn and grow as a student.
Brandon Nuby, Eisenhower Elementary
What are you most looking forward to in the 2021-2022 school year?
I’m so excited to reunite with our families and spread love to our students. It’s been a rough time for a lot of people and I’m just thankful to have the school year to look forward to. The community is stronger when we come together, and I’m looking forward to building that bond even stronger than before!
Korie Harden, Accelerated Learning Academy
What’s your favorite thing about teaching YouthQuest students?
The “Eureka!” moments when you can see the understanding all over their faces.
Jordan Kleinedler, Flint Cultural Center Academy
In your opinion, what is the biggest benefit of YouthQuest?
YouthQuest provides a safe space for students to have fun with friends while learning with hands-on activities in the afterschool time. Through dinner, clubs, community partners, sports, academic support, and more, the opportunities for students are endless!
Carlen Shoemaker, International Academy of Flint – Elementary
What are you most looking forward to in the 2021-2022 school year?
Having all students return to our building! We worked on-site at IAF last year, but we had a smaller program than normal. I’m looking forward to serving more students again and having the opportunity to impact more families within the community.
Michael Fortelka, International Academy of Flint – Middle and High School
What is your favorite thing about teaching YouthQuest students?
Seeing all the new things students get to try.
Alluna Calloway-Lang, Potter Elementary
In your opinion, what is the biggest benefit of YouthQuest?
YouthQuest staff help students create a sense of belonging in the program, which in turn, helps them improve their social and learning skills along with building self-confidence.
Donna Tanner, Neithercut Elementary
What are you most looking forward to in the 2021-2022 school year?
We are piloting the Read 2 Grade, a program to help students reach their reading level, at Neithercut this year and I am looking forward to student responses and measuring the impact of the program. 
Gloria Henley, Southwestern Classical Academy
What is your favorite thing about teaching YouthQuest students?
The conversations we have. At any moment, my students and I can be talking about building volcanoes with lemons to discussing creating a new currency because “no one carries cash, and most kids don’t have [credit] cards.”
Bridget Sims, Doyle Ryder
In your opinion, what is the biggest benefit of YouthQuest?
Being able to spend time with their friends in a safe environment.
Brook Borrow, Holmes STEM Academy
What are you most looking forward to in the 2021-2022 school year?
Rebuilding relationships with students and connecting with more students.
Note: Some YouthQuest sites are currently being led by interim Site Team Leaders not listed in this article.
YouthQuest is made possible through the generous support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and 21st Century Community Learning Centers.