Youth Employment Academy

In 2007, the Youth Employment Academy (YEA) was established at Denver Housing Authority to provide specific opportunities in education and employment for low-income youth and young adults ages 14-21 in the Denver metro area. In 2012, YEA became its own 501(c)(3). This change allowed YEA to move from receiving funding solely from the Denver Housing Authority and government grants and look towards other ways to generate income. Working with our industry partners, YEA saw a need for hands-on training in the culinary industry outside of the classroom. In addition, DHA was in the process in building a vibrant community in the La Alma neighborhood and YEA saw the need for a healthy, affordable restaurant to bring the community together. In February 2013, the Osage Café opened on the ground floor of the new resident mid-rise for seniors and individuals with disabilities living in public housing. This restaurant with a training kitchen allows for community involvement while training youth in the industry of culinary arts and running a business. We have had a great response from employers who have hired youth who completed the culinary program and who have commented on the excellent training of their new employees. In 2016 YEA added Arts Street to its programming. Arts Street at YEA is a job-training program that cultivates low-income and under-served youth into valuable members of the creative workforce needed in the immediate future. It uses the power of arts and technology to engage youth in learning and career development and to nurture leadership, build integrity, and help the community at-large. YEA expanded again and opened its newest social enterprise, Decatur Fresh in 2021. Decatur Fresh is a grocery market, workforce training program and community space. It offers local residents in the Sun Valley neighborhood affordable, nutritious, international food options while providing youth training in careers in customer service or grocery store management.