Banister's Leadership Academy
About Banister's Leadership Academy
Banister's Leadership Academy gives young people and families practical support that starts with leadership and extends into tutoring, mentoring, counseling, and academic success. Its programs serve youth across Nebraska, including families navigating the juvenile justice system and children who need a steady after-school or summer place to land. For donors, the appeal is straightforward: this is an organization built to help young people keep moving forward with support that fits real life.
What stands out here is the range of support wrapped around one clear framework, the 12 Pillars of Leadership. Banister's Leadership Academy also reaches people in person and through telehealth, which means its services can meet families where they are across Nebraska. That mix makes the work feel both grounded and flexible.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Night LIFE (Leadership in a Fun Environment)
Out-of-school time and weekend night program that builds communication, citizenship, self-efficacy, and leadership, with hot meals and educational activities.
Family Navigator
Works with families of court-involved and high-risk youth to help them navigate the juvenile justice system and engage children in positive environments.
Healthy Kids Movement (HKM)
In-person counseling and therapist-supported lessons that help mentees build resilience, cope with life, and grow into healthy adults.
Healthy Communities Movement (HCM)
Telehealth access for children, families, and community members to work with licensed counselors and therapists on mental and behavioral health concerns.
Goal Setting Mentoring Program
Small-group mentoring during Night LIFE that helps youth set short- and long-term goals, track progress, and solve obstacles.
Extended Academic Success Leadership Academy (EASLA)
Weekday after-school program for kindergarten through 6th grade that offers homework support, social time, and a safe, stable environment.
Summer Extended Academic Success Leadership Academy (EASLA)
Summer weekday program for kindergarten through 6th grade that continues leadership building, peer connection, and respect.
Youth 2 Movement (Y2M)
Experiential learning for ages 14-24 that provides employment opportunities, personal and leadership development, weekly stipends, and job-skills support.
Simmonds Youth Advocacy Project
Three-tiered program for ages 10-26 that supports high-risk and court-involved youth and young adults with decision-making, prosocial attitudes, community involvement, and mentoring.
Leadership in Action
Middle School Preparedness Leadership Circle
Sister Circles
Family University
Parenting classes
Parenting classes for families.
Financial literacy
Financial literacy support for families.
Parent-child engagement activities
Free parent-child engagement activities.
Resource referrals
Referrals to help families with unmet needs.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Banisters Leadership Academy strengthens youth and their families through leadership development, motivation, mentoring, tutoring, enrichment, and extended academic success in a safe and positive environment.
Who they serve
Youth and families in Nebraska, including K-8 mentees, students ages 10-26, and court-involved or high-risk youth and young adults.
Their impact
- Currently serving 94 counties in Nebraska.
How your donation helps
- Purchasing and renovating a permanent headquarters at 6714 North 30th Street
- Equipping classrooms, a kitchen, counseling rooms, and open program areas
- Supporting leadership development, workforce readiness, and behavioral health programming
- Providing hot meals, mentoring, tutoring, and enrichment activities for youth and families
Our story
Banister's Leadership Academy has been building youth leaders since 2007, with Akile L. Banister identified as its president and founder. From the beginning, the organization has used the 12 Pillars of Leadership as the foundation for programs serving youth and families.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Banister's Leadership Academy’s services.
Families can use online enrollment for fall, winter, spring, and summer programming, or contact the organization by email, phone, or county-specific team to learn which local or virtual service fits their needs.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
I wholeheartedly recommend Banisters. I have served the Bellevue School District for over 20 years & frequently present Banisters as a viable Community Resource.
What I love about Banisters is that they lay out a framework to teach students leadership skills and believe in their potential.
The program has been tremendous for my son in his growth and maturity. His behavior has changed at class and recess. To the point where the Vice Principal has stopped me after school to commend Ezzarah on his way of handling situations with other classmates. My daughter Arrianna has fell in love with the program and activities. It has benefited her into opening up more with her classmates in her school. I really appreciate all the help from Banisters.
Events
Annual Statewide Fundraiser
annualAnnual fundraising event supporting Banisters Leadership Academy.
Summer NIGHT L.I.F.E.
summerSummer programming for youth in participating counties.
Summer Y2M
summerSummer Youth 2 Movement programming for eligible youth and young adults.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Banister's Leadership Academy has shared.
Current needs
- Support for purchasing and renovating a permanent headquarters at 6714 North 30th Street
- Classroom furniture, technology, kitchen equipment, storage, shelving, and office furniture
- Funding for counseling rooms, playground space, and security upgrades
- Resources for leadership development, workforce readiness, and behavioral health services
Volunteer opportunities
- Serve as a volunteer in the group mentoring program for grades K-8
- Be a positive role model for youth building self-awareness and goal-setting skills
In the news
Articles featuring Banister's Leadership Academy from the Love What You Fund newsroom.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What ages can participate in Youth 2 Movement?
Youth 2 Movement serves ages 14 to 24.
What does Night LIFE focus on?
Night LIFE builds communication, citizenship, self-efficacy, and leadership during out-of-school time and weekend nights.
How does Healthy Communities Movement work?
Healthy Communities Movement gives children, families, and community members telehealth access to licensed counselors and therapists for mental and behavioral health concerns.
What does Family Navigator do?
Family Navigator supports families of court-involved and high-risk youth as they navigate the juvenile justice system and help children stay connected to positive environments.
Similar nonprofits
Other youth development programs nonprofits in NE.