WARREN — Amid the changes and uncertainty of the COVID-19 epidemic, a local nonprofit has found new ways to remain a consistent support system for under-represented Mahoning Valley youth.

Inspiring Minds, with locations in Warren and Youngstown, has been offering after-school and summer enrichment programming for Valley students in grades K-12 since 2006, and has grown to serve more than 500 students annually.

The focus of learning has been on five areas of Impact: education, college and career readiness, health and wellness, exposure to new experiences and personal development.

“We want our students and families to know that no matter what, we are still here, we are still Inspiring Minds and we are still going to show up for them, just in a different way,” Deryck Toles, founder and CEO, said.

Toles said typically, Inspiring Minds staff meets with the students Monday through Thursday after school. Once COVID-19 hit in March, however, the organization had to be creative and find safe ways to work around the pandemic.

Now, staff are using technology to continue working remotely with students daily.

Toles explained they are doing weekly one-on-one check-ins with students about grades and school work, tutoring virtually with videoconferencing and screen sharing, and continuing college and career preparations, especially with seniors.

Jessica Winters, program administrator, said while the organization has a strong focus on education, it understands that it takes so much more to prepare young people for success in their future. “It’s just as important to support our students mentally and emotionally, especially during this time.”

Toles said IM also is offering virtual enrichment activities such as live discussions, group support circles, community service activities, workouts and cooking lessons, as well as delivering groceries and supplies to families in need.

“Every situation is unique, every kid needs something different. Inspiring Minds was founded for that very reason, to provide access and opportunities to make sure no one gets left behind.” Toles said.

Toles said despite its challenges, virtual programming is working well for the organization because of the relationships it has built with students and families, as well as local school districts and partners.

Last summer, IM had a group of 30 Warren G. Harding High School graduates, high school students and Inspiring Minds staff travel to Ghana to learn more about Africa — the theme of the organization’s annual summer program for students.

The annual six-week summer session is held at Warren city school buildings with 2019 being the eighth year for the program, which included college visits for participants.

Toles said the summer 2019 weeklong trip to Ghana took place as part of the “Year of the Return,” marking 400 years since the first slave ships came to America, with 30 percent of the slaves coming from Ghana. In 2018, IM took a group to El Salvador.

Last summer’s program focused on activities about Africa, with students researching culture, dance, language, music and food.

Warren Schools Superintendent Steve Chiaro said there often is the “summer slide,” where students lose some information between the end of the previous school year and the start of the next school year. IM helps students retain what they learn one year to the next through its summer program.

In addition to Warren and Youngstown, IM’s chapters in Philadelphia and New York City are providing virtual programming, which has created new opportunities for students to connect from hundreds of miles away. Information about the organization can be found at www.IMyouth.org.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com