World Youth Foundation Inc

What World Youth Foundation Inc does

World Youth Foundation, Inc. (WYF) is a Houston-based national 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in April 1991 that delivers youth-development programming for underserved youth ages 4-24 across the Greater Houston area. Its core program is the Youth Innovation Incubator Program (YIIP), which integrates S.T.E.A.M., literacy, workforce development, civic engagement, and entrepreneurship, and mentors 2,500+ youth annually. Surrounding YIIP, WYF operates a portfolio of supplementary programs: the DIVE Digital Futures Challenge (a 7-week AI/VR/AR summer program for grades 7-12 powered by Microsoft's EPIC/VIP/FAST ecosystem), Joy of Giving Food Harvest and Lifecare (food security and essential-needs distribution, including $1M+ in PPE during COVID-19), Cultural Arts Program, Fair Housing Defenders, and two scholarship programs (RARS and Yene Fanta).

WYF's business model is a diversified nonprofit revenue stack: tiered corporate sponsorships ($5,000 Leader up to $100,000 Ambassador), individual donations processed via Stripe, membership dues, scholarship administration fees, Aramark concession-share revenue from Houston Astros and Texans events, and signature fundraising events including the Seeds of Gratitude Celebration and Back2SchoolJam. Its go-to-market is community-led — delivering programs directly inside Houston ISD schools, the Sunnyside Multi-Service Center, and through 20+ named strategic partners (HEB, Aramark, Comerica Bank, Centerpoint Energy Foundation, Stream of Hope Inc., CASE for Kids, Lunar Planetary Institute, and others). The organization is led by Founder, Chairman & CEO Karen Levingston-Franklin, who has run WYF for the entirety of its 35+ year operating history. Internationally, the Stream of Hope Inc. partnership extends WYF's footprint to 35+ communities across 6 regions in rural Ethiopia.

Name

World Youth Foundation Inc

Legal name

World Youth Foundation, Inc.

Website

https://worldyouthfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Houston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute to support WYF's youth empowerment programs. Donations can be made online via Stripe or by check to the organization's P.O. Box.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships at multiple tiers (Ambassador $100,000, Harvester $50,000, Accelerator $25,000, Incubator $10,000, Leader $5,000) providing naming rights, recognition, and event access.
3. Membership Dues: WYF offers membership levels for individuals wanting ongoing engagement with the organization and its programs.
4. Scholarship Administration: WYF administers scholarship programs including Yene Fanta Scholarship (two $2,500 and two $1,000 awards) and RARS Scholarship (five $1,000 scholarships), receiving administrative support for program management.
5. Volunteer Programs: Partnership with Aramark for concession operations at Houston Astros and Texans events, generating volunteer support and community engagement while raising funds.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

World Youth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers youth development programs for underserved youth ages 4-24 in Houston and surrounding areas, spanning AI/STEAM education, workforce development, literacy, civic engagement, and entrepreneurship. It also operates food security programs (Joy of Giving Food Harvest and Lifecare), administers scholarship programs, and runs a global water/sanitation initiative in Ethiopia through Stream of Hope.

Product overview

World Youth Foundation Inc operates as a nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of interconnected youth development programs spanning education, technology, arts, community service, and workforce readiness. The core ecosystem is anchored by the Youth Innovation Incubator Program (YIIP), which provides comprehensive enrichment for youth ages 6-24, and the DIVE Digital Futures Challenge summer program exploring AI and emerging technologies. Supporting programs include Joy of Giving Food Harvest and Lifecare addressing food security and essential needs, Cultural Arts Program for creative expression, and Fair Housing Defenders for civic education. The organization administers scholarships including RARS and Yene Fanta, hosts annual events like Seeds of Gratitude and Back2SchoolJam, and engages volunteers through the WYF Ambassadors for Good program.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Youth Innovation Incubator Program (YIIP): Youth development program focusing on education, personal/professional development, and workforce development for youth ages 6-24 years.
• Joy of Giving: Food Harvest
• Joy of Giving: Lifecare
• Fair Housing Defenders
• WYF Ambassadors for Good
• DIVE Digital Futures Challenge
• Cultural Arts Program
• Seeds of Gratitude Celebration
• Yene Fanta Scholarship
• RARS Scholarship (Roy Alvarez, Jr. RESPECT Scholarship)
• Stream of Hope Inc.

Products and services

• Youth Innovation Incubator Program (YIIP) Comprehensive youth development program for ages 6-24 covering education, personal/professional development, and workforce preparation with focus on soft skills, communication, character building, business adaptability, and project-based learning in STEM, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.
• DIVE Digital Futures Challenge Seven-week hybrid summer technology, media, and leadership experience for students grades 7-12 exploring AI, VR/AR, digital media, creative storytelling, and innovation design while solving real community challenges.
• Joy of Giving: Food Harvest Food distribution program providing fresh and perishable nutritional foods daily to vulnerable populations including youth, seniors, and shelters, sourced from partner vendors such as Whole Foods, Chick-Fil-A, and Chipotle.
• Joy of Giving: Lifecare Essential resources distribution program providing household items, cleaning tools, and non-perishable foods to families in need, launched during COVID-19.
• Cultural Arts Program Creative youth development program exploring music, dance, visual arts, theater, storytelling, photography, literature, and digital media, building confidence, leadership skills, and cultural pride through hands-on projects and community exhibitions.
• Fair Housing Defenders Teen education program teaching youth to recognize, challenge, and speak out against housing discrimination through workshops, advocacy training, comic books, and community engagement around the Fair Housing Act.
• RARS Scholarship (Roy Alvarez, Jr. RESPECT Scholarship) Annual scholarship program awarding five $1,000 scholarships to students demonstrating values of Respect, Encouragement, Safety, Patience, Empowerment, Courage, and Tolerance regardless of race, gender, or sexual origin.
• Yene Fanta Scholarship Scholarship program for Ethiopian/Ethiopian-American high school seniors awarded in memory of Sister Fantaye Ashagre, providing four scholarships totaling $7,000 (two $2,500 and two $1,000) for academic excellence and community service.
• WYF Ambassadors for Good Ambassador program for volunteers and supporters who champion youth success and help advance the organization's mission through advocacy, community engagement, and volunteer service.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 85,000 youth and families supported since 1990
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, supporting and minor.

• CASE for KidscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization providing after-school zone programming support and resources for youth development initiatives.
• 21st Century ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal/state after-school program partnership providing extended learning opportunities for students.
• Houston Independent School District (HISD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary education partner for delivering in-school and after-school programming to Houston students.
• HEBmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing food donations for Joy of Giving Food Harvest program and community support.
• TMC SolutionssupportingTechnology or IntegrationWorkforce solutions partner providing career development and employment resources.
• Stream of Hope Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal partnership delivering clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education to rural Ethiopian communities across 6 regions, impacting 35+ communities.
• AramarkmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerConcession partnership at Houston Astros and Texans games generating volunteer opportunities and funds for WYF programs.
• Greater Houston PartnershipsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional economic development organization supporting workforce and business development initiatives.
• That's My DogminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner organization providing youth and family support services.
• Lunar Planetary InstitutesupportingTechnology or IntegrationSTEM and space science education partner providing science programming resources.
• First Time MomsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing resources and support for first-time mothers and families.
• Coding With a TwistsupportingTechnology or IntegrationTechnology education partner providing coding and digital skills programming.
• Life JacketsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth safety and wellness partner organization.
• V'Zable EvidenceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing resources and evidence-based programming.
• Kreative KoreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreative arts partner providing cultural and artistic programming resources.
• Dad KroniclesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFatherhood and male engagement partner providing mentorship resources.
• Black Heritage MLK ParadesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCultural heritage partner for MLK parade and civic engagement events.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/worldyouthfound
• Facebookfacebook.com/worldyouthfoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/world-youth-foundation-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about World Youth Foundation Inc