African American Youth Harvest Foundation Empowers Youth and Families through Community-Based Programs

African American Youth Harvest Foundation (AAYHF) supports youth and families in the Greater Austin area through a range of community-based programs designed to promote growth, stability, and opportunity. With a focus on education, wellness, and workforce readiness, the organization addresses the challenges facing underserved communities while working to strengthen the family unit.

What set the foundation apart was its comprehensive, hands-on approach to meeting the needs of both youth and families. From mentoring and STEM education to workforce development and family support, the organization’s work reflects a deep understanding of the communities it serves. It is this breadth of impact and commitment to culturally responsive programming that led Kars4Kids to award the foundation a small grant.

In the following interview, AAYHF Chief Program Officer Elaine Lofton shares insight into the foundation’s mission, its programs, and the work they are doing in their community.

Kars4Kids: Can you tell us about the communities and demographics you serve in the Greater Austin area?

Elaine Lofton: We serve youth and families across the Greater Austin area, including Travis County and surrounding communities such as Manor, Pflugerville, and East Austin. The majority of the youth we serve come from underserved and economically disadvantaged communities, where access to resources, technology, and safe enrichment opportunities is limited. We support youth ages 8–18 and their families, many of whom are navigating challenges related to poverty, trauma, and educational gaps. Our goal is to meet families where they are and provide a one-stop model of support that addresses both youth development and family stability.

Kars4Kids: What inspired the founding of African American Youth Harvest Foundation, and how has your mission evolved since 2006?

Elaine Lofton: The foundation was created out of a need to provide safe spaces and opportunities for youth who were often overlooked and underserved. Since 2006, our mission has evolved from primarily mentoring into a comprehensive model that includes STEM education, workforce development, mental health support, and wraparound services for families. Today, we operate as a community hub where youth and families can access multiple resources in one place, ensuring that we are not just addressing one need, but the whole person and the entire family.

Kars4Kids: Your conference series has reached thousands of youth across Central Texas. What can participants expect from these events, and what kind of impact have you seen over the years?

Elaine Lofton: Our conferences are designed to inspire, educate, and empower youth. Participants can expect dynamic speakers, hands-on workshops, and real conversations around leadership, life skills, career exploration, and personal growth. Over the years, we have seen youth walk away with increased confidence, a clearer sense of direction, and the motivation to pursue opportunities they may not have previously considered. These events also create exposure and access, two things that are critical for youth development.

Kars4Kids: Mentoring is a key part of your work. Can you walk us through how your mentoring programs are structured and how they support youth who need additional guidance?

Elaine Lofton: Our mentoring programs are structured around consistency, relationship-building, and accountability. Programs like Boys2Men and Queens2Be provide both group mentoring and individualized support. Youth are paired with mentors who guide them through life skills, goal setting, decision-making, and emotional development. We also integrate structured activities that focus on leadership, communication, and self-awareness. For youth who need additional support, we connect them to case management and other services to ensure they are fully supported.

Kars4Kids: Through your Dell Youth CITI initiatives, you offer programs like Sugar Coders, Code Avengers, and Harvest Robotics. Can you give us an overview of these STEM opportunities and what youth gain from participating?

Elaine Lofton: Our STEM programs are designed to expose youth to technology in a hands-on and engaging way. Through initiatives like Sugar Coders, Code Avengers, and Harvest Robotics, students learn coding, robotics, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Beyond technical knowledge, they gain confidence, teamwork experience, and an understanding of career pathways in STEM fields. We are intentional about ensuring our youth see themselves in these spaces and understand that they belong in technology and innovation.  In addition, we offer a variety of technology certifications to include hardware, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and so many more.

Kars4Kids: KREW 12 gives students hands-on experience in media, design, and production. What kinds of projects do participants work on, and how does this program prepare them for future opportunities?

Elaine Lofton: KREW 12 is one of our most exciting programs because it allows youth to be creative while building real-world skills. Participants work on photography, videography, podcasting, graphic design, and live production projects. They cover community events, create content, and learn how to tell stories through media. This program prepares them for future opportunities by giving them hands-on experience, building portfolios, and exposing them to careers in digital media and communications.  In the past we were able to receive donations and young people presented their short film in Cannes Film Festival for two years.  Our goal is to eventually take another group to France.

Kars4Kids: Your Urban University Summer Camp is designed to prevent summer learning loss. What does a typical day look like, and what makes this program especially impactful?

Elaine Lofton: A typical day at Urban University includes a mix of academic enrichment, STEM activities, leadership development, and hands-on project work. Youth participate in structured learning in the morning and engage in interactive labs and group activities in the afternoon. What makes this program impactful is that it keeps youth engaged, prevents learning loss, and provides exposure to new skills and opportunities, all while creating a fun and supportive environment.

Kars4Kids: You offer parent programs that support healthy relationships and family stability. What kind of support do parents receive, and how does this strengthen outcomes for their children?

Elaine Lofton: We believe that when we support parents, we strengthen the entire family. Our parent programs focus on building healthy relationships, improving communication, and providing tools for effective parenting. We also connect families to resources such as food support, case management, and community services. When parents are supported, children are more stable, more engaged, and better positioned to succeed.

Kars4Kids: Your workforce assistance programs help both youth and adults pursue meaningful careers. What services do you provide, and what outcomes are you most proud of?

Elaine Lofton: Our workforce programs provide job readiness training, certification opportunities, internships, and employment connections for both youth and adults. We focus on equipping participants with skills that lead to sustainable careers. One of the outcomes we are most proud of is seeing youth transition from our programs into internships and employment, as well as adults gaining certifications that lead to better job opportunities and increased financial stability for their families.

Kars4Kids: The Harvest Trauma Recovery Center provides vital support for survivors of violence. Can you tell us about the services you offer—and looking ahead, what’s next for African American Youth Harvest Foundation?

Elaine Lofton: The Harvest Trauma Recovery Center provides comprehensive support for individuals and families impacted by trauma and violence. Services include counseling, case management, crisis intervention, and access to basic needs resources. Our approach is holistic, ensuring that clients receive both emotional support and practical assistance.

Looking ahead, we are focused on expanding our reach, strengthening our programs, and continuing to build out our “one-stop shop” model. Our vision is to create even more access points for youth and families, ensuring that no matter where they are, they have the support they need to thrive.