The Center for Science, Technology, and Leadership Development (CSTLD) exists to expand opportunity for youth who too often have limited access to high-quality out-of-school learning experiences. Serving as the home of the Bethel Youth Activity Center (BYAC), CSTLD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization  (ID# 45-2813878) committed to ensuring that students in Bethel and surrounding communities are not defined by their zip code, but empowered by their potential.

Bethel is one of the most underserved communities in Pitt County. Outside of BYAC, families have few options for consistent, high-quality afterschool or summer programming that combines academic support, enrichment, and youth development. For many students, BYAC is not simply an afterschool option; it is the only place where they can safely remain engaged in learning, receive academic help, explore new interests, and build meaningful relationships beyond the school day.

Meeting Real Needs with World-Class Support

CSTLD was founded to provide world-class, out-of-the-classroom academic support and hands-on learning experiences, particularly for students who need them most. Our comprehensive afterschool and summer programs are intentionally designed to meet students where they are academically, socially, and emotionally, while helping them grow into who they can become.

Through BYAC, students have access to tutoring across all subject areas, mentoring, guidance counseling, End-of-Grade (EOG) and End-of-Course (EOC) preparation, SAT workshops, and structured reading and literacy support for both students and parents. These academic services are paired with leadership development seminars, recreational leadership opportunities, spiritual enrichment, and wellness-focused programming that supports the whole child.

Expanding Access. Inspiring Vision. Building Futures.

Beyond academic intervention, BYAC exists to expand what students believe is possible. Many Bethel youth have limited exposure to career pathways, higher education environments, and enrichment experiences that spark long-term ambition. Through STEM programming, Medical Academy experiences, technology-based learning, and hands-on exploration, students are introduced to fields and futures they may not otherwise encounter.

Our goal is not only to help students perform better in school, but to help them dream bigger, see farther, and aim higher. When students are given access to more opportunities, surrounded by adults who believe in them, and equipped with the tools to succeed, their trajectory changes.

A Safe, Consistent Place to Grow

BYAC serves as a stable and trusted presence in the Bethel community. Students know they will be met with structure, encouragement, high expectations, and care each day they walk through our doors. Families know their children are in a safe environment that prioritizes learning, growth, and character.

As a community-based organization deeply rooted in Bethel, CSTLD and BYAC are not simply providing programs—we are building pathways. Pathways to academic success. Pathways to leadership. Pathways to hope.

Our Commitment

We remain committed to ensuring that Bethel youth are no longer left without options after the school day ends. Through sustained programming, strong partnerships, and a vision grounded in equity and excellence, CSTLD will continue working to ensure that every student we serve has the opportunity to access more, dream more, and achieve more.

1. Need to reflect that the BYAC is now a 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) site.  We have the afterschool program in both Bethel and at Northwest Elementary. In addition, we have the summer program at the Bethel location.  

Below is the logo for that program. We need to, at minimum, mention that we have funding through them  – please let me know if you need to talk through how to best incorporate this. We would also consider adding this information about the program. 

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Program is authorized under Title IV, Part B, of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015. The purpose of the 21st CCLC program is to provide federal funds to establish or expand community learning centers that operate during out-of-school hours with three specific purposes:

Provide opportunities for academic enrichment, including providing tutorial services to help students (particularly students in high poverty areas and those who attend low-performing schools) meet state and local student performance standards in core academic subjects such as reading and mathematics.

Offer students a broad array of additional services, programs, and activities, such as: youth development activities; service learning; nutrition and health education; drug and violence prevention programs; counseling programs; arts, music, physical fitness and wellness programs; technology education programs; financial literacy programs; environmental literacy programs; mathematics, science, career and technical programs; internship or apprenticeship programs; and other ties to an in-demand industry sector or occupation for high school students that are designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program of participating students.

Offer families of students served by 21 st CCLCs opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in their children’s education, including opportunities for literacy and related educational development.