4 Pillars of York Academy

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Our First pillar is Seminars

York Academy has a seminar series called 

"You have options.” 

• Trade & Vocational Pathways – Exploring skilled trades and certification-based careers
• Know Thyself & Health – Building self-awareness, mental health, and overall wellness
• Basic Life Skills – Financial literacy, communication, and everyday essentials
• Business & Entrepreneurship – Developing leadership, ownership, and economic awareness
• FAFSA & Financial Aid – Understanding how to access and fund higher education
• College Summit – Preparing for college readiness, applications, and success strategies
• Professional Dress & Attire – Presenting yourself with confidence in academic and career settings
• Community Building – Strengthening relationships, teamwork, and civic responsibility

York Academy’s college tour program provides students with transformative, first-hand exposure to higher education—particularly at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). These experiences expand students’ horizons, connect them to culture and history, and make college a tangible and achievable goal.

York Academy offers three signature tours each year:

• GramFam for a Day
  Hosted at Grambling State University, this fall tour immerses students in HBCU culture, campus life, and academic opportunities giving them a true “day in the life” experience.
• Juneteenth HBCU Tour
  Designed for early exposure, this tour takes 8th-grade students to cities such as Houston and Atlanta. Students visit HBCU campuses while also learning about key historical events that shaped the African American experience.
• Rose City HBCU Tour
  Held during spring break, this tour provides an in-depth multi-campus experience, allowing students to explore several HBCUs, engage with current students, and envision their future in higher education.

Upcoming Tour Destinations
2027: U.S. Virgin Islands & Florida
2028: Arkansas & Tennessee
2029: Ohio & Kentucky
2030: Louisiana, Mississippi & Texas

York Academy third pillar is Defining Your Chief Aim. DCA is an intensive four-month long program composed of three primary components. These include classes which teach the following:

• Napoleon Hill's 13 principles of success philosophy
• Personal development & financial literacy
• Leadership & communication
• Each class is designed to actively engage students through activities, homework, and personal challenges.

DCA Objectives

• To engage 18-20 students in the program every four months
• To effectively increase personal accountability among participants, give them tools to problem solve, increase their knowledge of money, and figure out what their ultimate drive and passion is in life and go after it with all they have.
• To effectively enhance program participant's skills in goal setting, effective communication, and cultivating a constructive belief system which is conducive to both college life and society in general.

York Academy’s Gents in Action (GIA) and Ladies in Action (LIA) programs represent the heart of our mentorship, community service, and cultural awareness initiatives. This pillar is designed to develop character, leadership, and a strong sense of identity among our youth.
Through consistent mentorship and structured engagement, students participate in:

• Mentorship & Leadership Development – Building confidence, accountability, and decision-making skills
• Community Service – Giving back through service projects that strengthen communities and foster responsibility
• Cultural Awareness – Exploring history, heritage, and identity to build pride and understanding
• Brotherhood & Sisterhood – Creating a supportive network that encourages unity, respect, and personal growth