Our Mission

Empire For The Youth (EFTY) is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to empowering young people from underserved communities. Our mission is to provide the tools, guidance, and opportunities necessary for youth to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. We believe that every young person deserves access to resources that enable them to reach their full potential.

Our Story

Founded with a vision to transform lives, EFTY was established to bridge the gap for youth who face economic, educational, and social challenges. What began as a small initiative has grown into a comprehensive organization that offers impactful programs designed to foster leadership, build life skills, and provide vocational training.

Wayne Lyons, II, alongside a group of community leaders, spearheaded EFTY with a commitment to offering a safe, supportive space where youth can develop their skills and talents. Through mentorship, education, and hands-on training, EFTY continues to help young people become confident, capable leaders of tomorrow.

Our Core Values

At EFTY, our work is driven by the following core values:

• Empowerment: We give youth the tools to take charge of their future and build lasting success.
• Community: We believe in fostering strong community ties, working collaboratively with local partners, families, and supporters.
• Education & Skills Development: We prioritize learning and vocational training that provide real-world applications and career readiness.
• Mentorship: Our mentors serve as role models, offering guidance and support to help youth achieve their goals.
• Inclusion & Equity: We ensure that all youth, regardless of background or circumstance, have equal access to opportunities and resources.

Leadership Team

• Wayne Lyons, II – Founder & Board Member
  Wayne Lyons, II, a visionary leader and co-founder of Empire For The Youth (EFTY), is deeply committed to youth empowerment and community development. With a background in education, mentorship, and sports, Wayne has dedicated his career to uplifting young people from underserved communities, providing them with the guidance and opportunities necessary to succeed in life.
• As a former standout student-athlete, Wayne brings a unique perspective to EFTY’s mission, understanding the challenges that many youth face, particularly in balancing academics and extracurricular activities. His experiences have inspired him to create pathways that combine leadership development, life skills training, and educational excellence to help young people realize their full potential.
• Wayne’s leadership in developing EFTY’s programs has been pivotal in expanding the organization’s reach. From vocational training in STEM to sports leadership initiatives, his focus has always been on creating holistic opportunities for youth that bridge the gap between personal development and career readiness. He is also passionate about building networks of mentors and professionals who can guide young people as they prepare for college, careers, and beyond.
• Wayne’s commitment to making a lasting impact on the lives of youth has made him a respected leader in the community and a driving force behind EFTY’s continued success.
• Karan Higdon – Co-Founder & Board Member
• Karan Higdon, a dedicated community advocate and co-founder of Empire For The Youth (EFTY), brings a wealth of experience in youth development and mentorship. As a former professional athlete, Karan understands the importance of providing young people with opportunities to excel both on and off the field. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping EFTY’s mission to empower youth through education, sports, and life skills training.
• With a strong commitment to ensuring that every young person has the tools they need to succeed, Karan actively contributes to the development of innovative programs that focus on personal growth, leadership, and career readiness. His passion for mentorship and his drive to uplift underserved communities have made him a key figure in EFTY’s efforts to create meaningful and lasting change.

Our Impact

Since our inception, EFTY has made a significant impact on the lives of young people:

• Over [insert number] youth have participated in our vocational training programs.
• [Insert number] have been paired with mentors who provide ongoing support and guidance.
• EFTY has organized numerous workshops and events that help youth develop leadership skills, gain job readiness, and foster community engagement.

Join Us

As a non-profit charitable organization, we rely on the support of individuals and organizations to continue our work. Whether you want to donate, volunteer, or partner with us, your contribution will make a lasting difference in the lives of the youth we serve.