About YWEP
YWEP
YWEP was established in 2012 as a response to the voices of disconnected youth needing support and preventative measures in the Phoenix metro area. YWEP is a collection of child-focused, evidence-based programs that aims to collectively build and strengthen the family unit by bridging the gap between parental involvement, education, and workforce development. Youth World Education Project is a holistic youth development organization. We are transforming youth through Male Initiatives and Youth Development Programs.
About The Founder
Tara S. Laurie-Manson, M.Ed
Tara Laurie is the CEO of Youth World
Education Project (YWEP). Ms. T’s story
is one of perseverance, resiliency, and risk
taking. The New York native was born and
raised in Harlem, NYC and she credits her
upbringing and experiences for making her
the woman she is today and becoming. Ms. Laurie is often overheard stating “I want to be an agent for change.” She recognizes one of the best ways to bring about change is through education.
With over 20 years of hands on experience in the education and social services fields, she has served as a child group therapist, educator, social worker, and capacity building specialist. Ms. Laurie has maintained an educational philosophy that every individual can learn given innovation, commitment, supportive environment, and a chance. Her academic and professional careers helped to lay the foundation for her most impactful achievement, starting a non-profit agency to reduce the number of disconnected youth and families.
She realizes that the greatest gift you can give the world is through the servitude of those in need. Ms. Laurie has witnessed first-hand the detrimental effects of poverty, lack of education, and minimal community resources. According to Ms. Laurie, YWEP is a positive product of a negative reality. Ms. Laurie strongly believes all youth should have a chance to fulfill their destiny. Her goal is to empower and educate youth by increasing their capacity and providing them with the tools they need to become successful thriving individuals.
Ms. Laurie strongly believes the generations before stood for the benefit of tomorrow and every generation is supposed to get better. She affirms that tomorrow is calling out for change today and that we can no longer wait for someone to do something. Ms. Laurie believes our society can no longer wait on a super hero and she proclaims we are the super heroes our children are waiting on. She has issued a call to action requesting we put on our masks and capes to use our gifts, talents, influences, and resources to answer the cries of tomorrow demanding change today.