Our Mission

UNT Dallas empowers students, transforms lives, and strengthens communities by embracing its core values and advancing the principles of Community Youth Development—engaging youth as partners, building on their strengths, and fostering inclusive, supportive environments.

Core Values of CYD include:

Youth as Equal Partners

  • Young people are treated as active contributors, not just participants. They help plan, carry out, and evaluate programs, ensuring their voices are heard and valued.

Strength-Based Approach

  • Rather than focusing on problems, CYD builds on youths’ existing strengths, promoting confidence, leadership, and personal growth.

Positive Relationships

  • Supportive connections with adults, mentors, and peers are essential. These relationships provide guidance, encouragement, and positive role models.

Protective Factors and Resilience

  • CYD promotes factors like family support, school involvement, and positive peer groups, helping youth develop resilience and overcome challenges.

Community Engagement

  • Youth are encouraged to take part in service and leadership within their communities, fostering responsibility and a sense of belonging.

Sponsored by

In partnership with

School of Education

School of Behavioral Health and Human Services

Providing Opportunities in

South Dallas, Pleasant Grove, and Oak Cliff.

Through community partnerships, thriving initiatives, and committed stakeholders these youth have access to opportunities. Our focus is to remain a contributor, in providing an array of services to promote protective factors in youth.

1.png
2.png
3.png
4.png
5.png
6.png
7.png
8.png
9.png
10.png
11.png
12.png
13.png
14.png
15.png
16.png
17.png
18.png
19.png
20.png

  • 1st

    Public 4-year university in the City of Dallas is located in south Oak Cliff serving as an anchor institution to the surrounding community.

  • 20.3%

    Employment in the Dallas metropolitan area has expanded 20.3% over the past five years – including 4.2% in the last year alone – with robust job creation in professional and business services, as well as sectors like tech, health, retail, wholesale trade and hospitality.

  • 52%

    College enrollment rate, compared to state average 57% (Source: Dallas ISD)

  • 16,000+

    Students attending a school within the zip codes we serve. (Source: TEA)

CORE PILLARS

Family Focused Activities

Youth Advisory Committee

Youth Leadership Development

Post High School Readiness

ANCILLARY PROGRAMMING

Academic Support

Arts & Cultural Enrichment

Mentoring

Sports & Movement

Youth-Based Curriculum