Pre-K to 12th grade · Philadelphia

Every kid. Every ability. Next level.

Specialized enrichment classes for children and teens with disabilities and behavioral health needs, and an open door for every kid, family, and community member.

Bring NLYC to your school How our classes work

Specialized classesFor kids with disabilities and behavioral health needs

All kids welcomeInclusive groups open to the general public

Pre-K to 12th gradeFour levels that grow with each young person

What makes us different

Specialized classes, built for how each young person learns

NLYC designs its classes so youth with disabilities, special needs, and behavioral health needs can take full part, side by side with their peers. We start with what each young person loves (a sport, a beat, a camera, a business idea) and build skills, confidence, and leadership from there.

And yes, every kid is welcome.

Our specialty is inclusion, not exclusion. Siblings, classmates, and kids from across the community join the same groups.

Predictable structure. Consistent routines, visual schedules, and a clear preview of what comes next.
Adapted activities. Every track has modified options and more than one way to take part.
Regulation built in. Movement breaks, mindfulness, and calm-down space options.
Strengths first. We lead with each young person's interests and celebrate progress.
Family and school partnership. We follow the guidance families and school teams share with us.

In action

Our Classes in Action

Cooking, movement, mentorship, and community: this is what NLYC's specialized classes look like. Built for youth with disabilities and behavioral health needs, and open to every kid. NLYC is enrichment, not therapy.

A young chef holds up a plate of homemade pepperoni pizza — Cooking and life skills

A skillet of mini pizzas made by youth in a cooking class — Kid-made mini pizzas

Youth playing an active group game in a school gym — Movement and games at every pace

Youth sitting at a table enjoying food they made together — Sharing a meal and conversation

A large group of youth and mentors posing together at a skating rink — Group outings and celebrations

Youth and a mentor smiling together during a skating outing — Confidence on and off the rink

A mentor speaking to youth during a leadership session — Mentorship and leadership

A group of adult mentors and youth standing together indoors — Mentors who show up

Families and staff talking at an NLYC community event — Community events open to all

NLYC founder standing with a community partner — Partnering with schools and community

Videos

Program moments

Four ways in

Program tracks

MOVE

Sports, adaptive fitness, karate, yoga, and mindfulness.

CREATE

Music and recording, digital media, dance, theater, arts and crafts, creative writing.

BUILD

Financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and culinary arts.

LEAD

Leadership circles, public speaking, mentorship, and peaceful conflict resolution.

Climb the levels

Pre-K to 12th grade

Pre-K–K
Level 1 · Starters
Music, movement, stories, early social-emotional skills.
Gr. 1–5
Level 2 · Explorers
Try every track and build teamwork.
Gr. 6–8
Level 3 · Builders
Go deeper and take first leadership roles.
Gr. 9–12
Level 4 · Leaders
Projects, money and career skills, mentoring younger youth.

Formats

How we show up

Weekly after-school

Inclusive groups at schools, childcare centers, and out-of-school-time sites, with small-group options.

6–8 week cycles

A focused unit that ends in a showcase, at a pace that works for the group.

Workshops & assemblies

One-day sessions for a class, grade, or school.

Camps & community events

Summer and school-break camps, plus family events open to the public.

Please note: NLYC is an enrichment program, not a clinical or therapy service.

Who we are

Nonprofit-delivered, founder-led

NLYC is a program of King's Introduction to Leadership Inc. (KITL), a Philadelphia 501(c)(3) with violence-prevention and mentorship roots.

Same founder, separate program. NLYC was founded by Christopher "King" Burney, who also founded King Me Da Empire Youth Services (KMDE). NLYC is its own program under KITL, with its own focus and partners.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What does "specialized classes" mean?

Our classes are designed so youth with disabilities, special needs, and behavioral health needs can take full part: predictable routines, visual schedules, adapted activities, movement and calm-down breaks, and a strengths-first approach. NLYC is enrichment, not clinical therapy.

Is NLYC only for kids with disabilities?

No. We specialize in youth with disabilities and behavioral health needs, and every kid is welcome in our inclusive groups.

How much does it cost?

Pricing depends on the format and the site. Please contact us for details.

Where are programs held?

At schools, childcare centers, out-of-school-time sites, and community spaces across the Philadelphia area. Contact us about bringing NLYC to your location.

What are your group sizes and staff ratios?

Please contact us for details.

What ages do you serve?

Pre-K through 12th grade, in four levels: Starters, Explorers, Builders, and Leaders.

Help every kid reach the next level

Gifts are made through King's Introduction to Leadership Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Donate through Zeffy

Let's talk

Bring NLYC to your school, site, or community

Schools, agencies, and families: tell us what you need. Prefer email? Write to nextlevelyouthcollective@gmail.com or call 215-356-3733.