PROGRAMS

 DeKalb County Youth Commission  
 Youth Commission is a leadership development program for 10th–12th graders. Through an engaging curriculum on county government and practical civic activities, participants develop a strong foundation in leadership, networking, community service, and college and career readiness

Link: https://wkf.ms/4cN7NeH 
Contact: Eleven Burdine
krburdine@dekalbcountyga.gov, (470) 544-0273 
 
 Youth Entrepreneurship Program (Y.E.P.)  
 The Youth Entrepreneurship Program (Y.E.P.) helps DeKalb County youth develop professional and entrepreneurial skills through engaging workshops and training sessions. By promoting self-sufficiency, Y.E.P. motivates young people to turn ideas into businesses. Our Youth Marketplace festivals bring this to life by creating lively, community-focused events where participants showcase their businesses, make real sales, and receive support from neighbors, friends, and local stakeholders.

Link: https://wkf.ms/4fy8c4G 
Contact: Jantzen Kendall
jpkendall@dekalbcountyga.gov, 678-997-0119 
 
  
 Girls Clubhouse Program  
 The Girls Clubhouse is a year-round enrichment program designed to empower middle and high school girls with the skills, confidence, and support they need to succeed. Through monthly workshops and hands-on field trips, participants explore topics such as leadership development, self-esteem, financial literacy, STEM basics, and creative expression. Each session combines small-group discussions with expert-led activities and mentorship, fostering a safe, supportive community where girls can build lifelong friendships, set ambitious goals, and develop clear paths toward academic and personal achievement.

Link: https://wkf.ms/42zpVE9 
Contact: Eleven Burdine
krburdine@dekalbcountyga.gov, 470-544-0273 
 
 
 R.I.S.E. Up Program  
 

R.I.S.E. Up empowers DeKalb County's young men with leadership skills, STEM exploration, and personal growth through a series of interactive workshops and mentorship sessions. Hosted in partnership with Parks & Recreation across three rotating locations, participants engage in hands-on activities—from coding challenges and robotics labs to career panels and team-building exercises. This cohort-based program not only develops technical knowledge but also boosts confidence, communication, and community involvement, guiding students toward academic and professional success.

Link: https://wkf.ms/4jgMxQM 
Contact: Jantzen Kendall
jpkendall@dekalbcountyga.gov, 678-997-0119 

 
 Sights N’ Sounds Program  
 

Sights N Sounds is a hands-on creative-arts lab where DeKalb County youth learn film production, audio recording, and digital photography from industry professionals. Over a 6–8 week cohort at PlugATL Studios, participants work together on real-world projects—writing scripts, filming scenes, mixing audio, and editing final cuts. The program ends with a public showcase, giving students an authentic platform to display their work, develop technical skills, and explore careers in media and the creative industries.

Link: https://wkf.ms/4jmNCH1 
Contact: Jantzen Kendall
jpkendall@dekalbcountyga.gov, 678-997-0119 

 

Sights N Sounds logo

 

 E.M.B.A.R.C. Youth Farm  
 

EMBARC Youth Farm provides DeKalb County youth with hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship, and environmental stewardship. Participants plant and harvest crops, manage farm-to-table projects, and develop business skills through marketing produce at local markets. With mentorship from agricultural experts and collaboration with peers, students acquire practical knowledge in horticulture, nutrition, and farm operations, while developing their teamwork and leadership skills. 

Link: https://wkf.ms/4ibssKK 
Contact: Eleven Burdine
krburdine@dekalbcountyga.gov, 470-544-0273

 embarc logo

 

 GREAT START GEORGIA MIECHV  

 

All youth ages 0-5
Intervention Area:
•    Reading
•    Head Start
•    Families
•    Screening

Partnerships:
•    DeKalb County Board of Health
•    Scottdale Child Development Center
•    Partnership for Community Action
•    Oakhurst Medical
•    Refugee Family Assistance Project

Services:
The Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program, which previously awarded 300,000 in 2011, 2012 and 2013 to DeKalb County to expand evidenced-based home visitation, this award will serve as the year four funds for this program. DeKalb County will utilize two evidence-based home visiting models in the Clarkston and Scottdale Central DeKalb County communities. Parents as Teachers and Early Head Start-Home Based Option, which is a blended EHS/PAT program.
 
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DEKALB HUMAN SERVICES
[404] 270-1178

OFFICE OF YOUTH SERVICES
[404] 210-1697

OFFICE OF AGING
[770] 322-2950

OFFICE OF GRANTS
[404] 270-1178

OFFICE OF TRANSPORTATION
[770] 322-2967