A Message from Mayumi Bryant

Dear Students, Families, Partners, and Supporters,

My name is Mayumi Bryant, and I am honored to welcome you to Youth Capital Academy.

I was born and raised in North Philadelphia, in a community where opportunity was limited and survival often came before dreams. I became a young mother, faced financial hardship, and navigated many of life’s challenges without the guidance or resources that many young people deserve.

But those experiences taught me something powerful:
success isn’t determined by where you start it’s determined by the mindset, support, and opportunities you’re given along the way.

Through perseverance, education, and faith, I built a new path for myself. I earned my financial licenses, completed my bachelor’s degree, and am now pursuing my master’s in business. More importantly, I discovered my purpose; to create the opportunities I once needed for the next generation.

Youth Capital Academy was born from that purpose.

Founded on April 17, 2025, YCA exists to give young people real-world tools, mentorship, and opportunities that many of us never had growing up. In less than a year, we have already secured approximately $30,000 in funding to bring free financial literacy, entrepreneurship, empowerment, diversion, and food support programs to youth across Philadelphia.

At YCA, we don’t just teach lessons we create experiences.

Our students learn how to:

• Manage money and make smart financial decisions

• Build confidence and leadership skills

• Start real businesses through our Purpose to Profit program

• Receive mentorship and, for selected students, up to $500 in startup funding

• Access meals and food pantry support so they can focus on learning

We believe that when a young person is fed, supported, and empowered with the right knowledge, their entire future can change.

I started this academy because I see myself in every young person who feels overlooked, under-resourced, or unsure about their future. I know what it feels like to wonder if there’s more out there, and I want every child who walks through our doors to know that the answer is yes.

Whether you are a student, a parent, a partner, or a supporter, you are now part of a movement to build stronger futures, stronger families, and stronger communities.

Thank you for believing in this mission.
Thank you for investing in our youth.
Together, we are creating opportunity where it once felt impossible.

With hope, purpose, and determination,

Mayumi Bryant
Founder & Executive Director
Youth Capital Academy