UPDATE: Spaces still available at some of the 13 programs funded to serve Leon County youth through year-round and summer opportunities.
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Children’s Services Council of Leon County (CSC Leon) approved a $2.69 million investment in youth development programs during its March 5 Governing Council meeting, expanding access to high-quality afterschool and summer opportunities for children across Leon County.
The funding will support 13 programs serving approximately 843 youth, providing safe and enriching environments that promote academic success, build life skills, and keep young people positively engaged during out-of-school hours. Families will have an opportunity to explore and enroll in these programs and more at the Family & Youth Services Expo on Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at FAMU Developmental Research School.
“These programs provide more than a place for young people to spend time after school; they create opportunities to build confidence, develop new skills, and connect with mentors who support their success,” said Cecka Rose Green, Executive Director of CSC Leon.
Of the programs approved for funding, seven provide year-round services and six operate during the summer months, ensuring that the majority of CSC Leon’s investment supports sustained engagement for youth throughout the year. These programs support CSC Leon’s priority areas of youth development, family stability, and long-term community well-being.
The programs were selected through a competitive process focused on program quality, organizational capacity, and the ability to deliver measurable outcomes for youth and families.
“Each program in the recommendation was chosen because it gives a child a better chance at academic success, opens a career pathway, or simply provides a safe place to grow,” said Jimmie Davis, spokesperson for the Year-Round OST Evaluation Panel. “That’s not just a metric — it’s a moral obligation. When these programs succeed, fewer young people enter Leon County’s juvenile justice system.”
Programs Available for Enrollment
CSC Leon’s investment supports seven year-round programs and six summer-only programs, offering a range of enrichment opportunities including academic support, arts, athletics, mentoring, and workforce exploration for youth in Leon County.
Year-Round Programs
- Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend
- Camp Summer Garden, Inc.
- Children’s Home Society of Florida
- Dynamic Xplosion Cheer
- Institute for Music Business, LLC
- Kingdom Life Preparatory Academy
- Omega Lamplighters, Inc.
Summer-Only Programs
- Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Creative Mind Solutions
- Citizens for a Sustainable Future, Inc.
- Diamonds in the Rough Sports, Entertainment and Education, Inc.
- FSU Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement
- SHE Academy, Inc.
- Tallahassee Nights Live Performing Arts Foundation
In addition to CSC Leon-funded programs, the Expo will feature additional community partners offering summer camps, enrichment activities, and family support services.
Event Details
The 2026 Family & Youth Services Expo will take place rain or shine on Saturday, March 28, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at FAMU Developmental Research School (400 W. Orange Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32307).
Families are encouraged to attend, connect with local service providers, and explore the variety of free and low-cost programs available to children and youth who live in Leon County.
For more information on participating programs, visit https://cscleon.org/summeryouthexpo.
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