About T2A Y.E.P.
T2A Y.E.P. welcomes youth from the ages of 3-22. Our diverse team allows us to service all youth, including those at high risk of juvenile delinquency, school failure and youth involved in the juvenile justice system. We pride ourselves on the foundation of Timbuk2 Academy principles, along with our abilities to bring about positive changes in our children through multi-sensory, culturally appropriate services. Our programs are tailored to meet the individual needs of each youth; ensuring they reach their highest potential despite challenges and indifferences.



The T2A Y.E.P. logo incorporates the AYA (fern); an African Adinkra symbol of endurance and resourcefulness. An individual who wears this symbol suggests that he has endured many adversities and outlasted much difficulty.
The Mission
T2A Youth Empowerment Programs (T2AYEP) provides comprehensive holistic programming tailored to the individual needs of each youth, in effort to support the development of our children to grow within themselves, socially, emotionally and academically. We stress the importance of culture and community; coordinating communication amongst all parties involved in our youths lives and advocating on their behalf to bring them through challenges. T2A-Y.E.P puts systems in place to support, encourage and empower our youth, during/after school, at home and in the community, thus ceasing the school-to-prison pipeline, the guns-and-gangs-to-prison pipeline, the drinking-and-drugs-to-prison pipeline and the abuse-and-abandonment-to-prison pipeline. T2A Youth Empowerment Programs believes that each youth fosters the potential to become leaders of change within themselves, their communities and beyond.

Preventing Youth Violence While Increasing Awareness Through the Arts, Culture and Developmentally Appropriate Programming

Our Approach

Most adults who serve children and youth see young people as subjects. Our programs introduces practical ways for adults to address the whole lives of young people, instead of just those specific parts we work with in the moment. The Holistic Youth Development approach relies on multiple components to strengthen youth. At minimum these include: physical, familial, social, spiritual, ethical, educational and cultural. It also acknowledges and strengthens the broad world around young people by actively bringing together the families, friends, communities, schools, faith places, and other people and places throughout the lives of children. Holistic Youth Development provides an opportunity to expand and deepen our work with children and youth by seeing all young people as complete, whole people who are young and evolving. Instead of seeing them as adults-in-the-making, Holistic Youth Development actively treats children and youth as uniquely important people right now. It does this by acknowledging, respecting, and embracing who children and youth are as individuals, including the unique ecology surrounding them.
Youth Programs

Hey Girl!
Hey Girl! is a rite of passage for girls. Taken on a self-reflective journey, our girls are provided with the skills and tools for holistic well-being through developmentally and culturally responsive teachings.

Sew So DOPE
Children will use their Kuumba (creativity) and turn recycled treasures into wearable masterpieces. Youth will receive hands on sewing instruction, while learning the ropes of turning sewing into a sustainable career.

L.O.O.P
Program details releasing in 2021
What We Value

The Village
Together We Will Win
We have established strong partnerships with our families, communities, and key agencies tasked with servicing our children. These partnerships include the Trenton Public Schools, Law Enforcement, Social Service agencies, and Holistic Health Practitioners

300+ youth
Vibrational Shifts
Our services positively impact the lives of our youth and families. 90% of youth increase pro-social behaviors. 95% of youth have not reoffended while enrolled in T2A programs. 90 % of our Stationhouse Adjustments:successful complete all program requirements.In a nutshell….WE GET RESULTS!

Culture
The Key to Change
Providing a holistic approach to help youth thrive. Delivering cultural driven practices to increase self- awareness. Offering a wide range of opportunities in safe, loving, nurturing environments.
Our Youth
Y.E.P Moments
``We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.`` - Mary McLeod Bethune
Testimonials
November 21st, Trenton Farmers Market, 10am - 3pm
born WORTHY. Pop Up SHOP
Timbuk2 Academy youth will host a born WORTHY. Pop Up Shop. Come shop with us!
We do not discriminate in our enrollment policies on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin.