Who YOTO Serves

Okongo - Youth On Their Own graduate
Tabetha - Youth On Their Own Graduate
Rashan - Youth On Their Own Student
Youth On Their Own Student

Eligibility requirements:

  • age 13 – 21
  • enrolled in Metro Tucson public schools, including charter and alternative schools, in grades 8 through 12
  • unaccompanied through no fault/choice of their own; not in the physical custody of a parent or long-term legal guardian
  • without a stable home

2010-2011 School Year Summary

This year Youth On Their Own received over 700 applications from students in 120 Tucson schools. This was a 40% increase over last year’s applications. Thanks to compassionate donors like you, YOTO was able to support 530 students. The demographics included:

  • 64% female/ 36% male;
  • African American: 13%;
  • Hispanic: 41%;
  • Caucasian: 33%;
  • Native American: 8 %;
  • Asian/Pacific Islander: 1%
  • and 4% other.

Of 140 seniors, 30 graduated in December, 2010. The remaining seniors are on target to graduate this month. These students could not have made it to graduation without you!

2009-2010 Academic School Year Student Demographics

(most significant statistics)

  • Students Served: 492
  • High School Graduates: 110
  • Age: 39% 13 – 17; 61% 18 – 21
  • Gender: 66% female; 34% male
  • Ethnicity: 48% Hispanic/Latino; 25% Caucasian; 6% Multi-Ethnic; 11% African American; 9% Native American; 1% Other
  • Top Reasons for Homelessness: 13% abandonment; 13% conflict step-parent or live-in significant other; 12% physical/emotional abuse; 8% parental drug abuse
  • Living Situation: 22% live w/ relatives; 16% live w/ significant other; 18% live w/ a friend; 9% live in a group home; 5% live alone; 1% live w/ a roommate; 4% live w/ a host family; 5% other
  • Parenthood Status: 26% of students were pregnant or parenting

Job Openings

Urgent Alert!

Youth On Their Own supports the high school graduation and continued success of homeless youth by providing financial assistance, basic human needs and guidance.

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Urgent Alert to All!

Recently, the Youth On Their Own office was notified that teens/youth identifying themselves as YOTO students were canvasing local neighborhoods, requesting monetary donations door–to-door. If this should occur, please DO NOT give money or anything else to these people and notify the police immediately!

Youth On Their Own students and organization do not solicit “door-to-door” and Youth On Their Own students do not canvas neighborhoods. Donations made to Youth On Their Own are made directly to YOTO either by mail, at yoto.org, or at YOTO events.

We thank you for your continued support and urge you to exercise caution when anyone comes to your door for a donation.

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