The Bethel Youth Activity Center (BYAC) warmly welcomes youth across the Pitt County School System, with a special focus on students from Bethel and surrounding communities. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and enriching environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive beyond the traditional school day. BYAC serves as a 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) site, offering high-quality programming during out-of-school hours that supports both academic success and whole-child development.

As a 21st CCLC site, BYAC provides structured academic enrichment designed to help students—particularly those from high-poverty areas and those attending low-performing schools—meet state and local performance standards in core subjects such as reading and mathematics. Our programming is intentionally aligned with school-day expectations and supported through data-driven tools such as i-Ready diagnostics and North Carolina End-of-Grade (EOG) assessments, allowing us to monitor student growth over time. During the 2024–2025 school year, BYAC served 89 students, with strong attendance and sustained engagement that met all required Department of Public Instruction (DPI) thresholds, allowing full access to allotted grant funding.

Beyond academics, BYAC’s 21st CCLC programming offers students a broad array of enrichment opportunities that reinforce learning while nurturing curiosity, leadership, and well-being. These experiences include STEM initiatives, Medical Academy programming, drone camps, summer camps, and wellness-focused activities that support physical, social, and emotional development. In keeping with the 21st CCLC mission, BYAC also prioritizes family engagement, creating opportunities for parents and caregivers to actively participate in their children’s educational growth through communication, resources, and community-based support.

Our work is strengthened by a dedicated team of educators and collaborative partnerships with Pitt County Schools, Pitt Community College, and East Carolina University, as well as consultative relationships with ECU’s Brody School of Medicine, ECU Dental School, and Vidant Medical Center. BYAC also partners with organizations such as Michael’s Angels Girls Club in Edgecombe County and STEM East in Beaufort County to share resources and extend impact across eastern North Carolina.

BYAC programs are funded through grants, gifts, and special initiatives, including the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant. There is no cost to families or youth for participation, ensuring equitable access to high-quality academic and enrichment opportunities for students who need them most