ICAN

Founded in 1991, ICAN serves as a year-round, out-of-school time program aimed to transform the educational, social, and emotional wellbeing of youth in underserved areas. ICAN’s founder, Henry Salinas, was a Chandler native and humble man who saw gang violence impacting the youth in his community and chose to devote himself to making a change. Henry's initial investment of time and compassion to area teens has blossomed into a full-service youth center whose programs still impact youth, teens, and their families in the community that Henry held so dear.

ICAN is unique in that our nationally recognized programming is offered at no cost to families. This is because we believe that every family should have access to programs that promote wellbeing for youth and economic opportunity for parents. Pulled from the annual survey that is shared with families enrolled in ICAN’s program, 91% of parents agree that having access to ICAN’s program has had a positive impact on their finances.

ICAN is more than childcare as we aim to provide a space where kids can be themselves as they learn, grow and explore. Daily lessons are created based on the five C’s of Positive Youth Development (Confidence, Character, Connection, Contribution, and Competence), with a focus on activities surrounding science, technology, engineering, art, and math. With this intentional programming, 85% of families agree that they have seen a positive impact on their child's social emotional development.

Over the past three years, ICAN has expanded from one main site, to 5 sites across Chandler and Mesa where we now serve more than 700 youth. With over 493,000 kids living in Arizona communities where quality afterschool programs are not accessible, the need for ICAN's expansion is vast.

A 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Website: icanaz.org