HU Family Life Center
Program Overview

The Howard University Family Life Center (HUFLC), in the School of Education, conducts a number of intervention activities with children living in communities near the Howard University campus in Washington, DC.  Funded by the Office of Minority Health, HUFLC’s Youth Empowerment Program is designed to address the unhealthy behaviors of at-risk minority youth, expose them to more positive lifestyles, and enhance their capacity to make informed and healthier life choices. HUFLC serves fourth and fifth grade students at Meyer Elementary School in the Columbia Heights neighborhood. The School’s administrators and parent organizations, as well as other community organizations, serve as partners in the HUFLC. 

HUFLC’s program components include Academic Enrichment, Personal Development and Wellness, Cultural Enrichment, Recreational Enhancement, Career Development, Family Bonding, and School Bonding. Program lessons and activities promote and enhance the personal strengths of the students.  Continuous dialogues are held with parents on various aspects of parenting, conflict management, and family strengthening.  Sessions are also conducted on various career interests. Guest speakers share their experiences on college preparation, career goals, and work ethics. 

A Saturday Program, held at Howard University’s main campus, offers recreational and cultural activities.  Also a 3-week social and educational summer program is offered to 50 youths ages 9-12 at Howard University’s main campus.

A parent Advisory Board, consisting of family members and other community leaders, ensures input from parents and serves as a vehicle to increase parental participation in all aspects of the HUFLC.  Volunteers recruited from Howard University and tutors from the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) DC Reads program provide one-on-one tutoring and assist with mentoring and other program components.