About Us
This new enriching teen group was created to fill the need in the Tampa community for a teen Islamic Youth group, one with a new modern approach. Our group uniqueness is empowered by the application of knowledge that is acquired through life activities, field trips and community service. We hope to instill the Muslim identity in our youth by equipping them with the leadership skills they need for the future. Participants will take ownership of the program by giving them the option to start an IAM chapter at their local public or private school modeling our wonderful Islam through high standards, ethical values and positive community work.
IAM Youth Honor Code
LEAD with values
SERVE my Community
CHANGE our world future
INSPIRE others with goodness
Our Story
Year 2019
Our program started in September 2019 as a pilot model for fifteen students by actively involved parents that were looking for a high quality Islamic weekend program for their children. Our goals were specific and remain so today. We want to maintain high standards by lowering student to teacher ratio. We aim to research relative Islamic curriculum that strengthens the youth Muslim-American identity. We make sure our teachers receive payment because their time and effort put into serving our children is of great value. Registration and commitment is an important aspect we require from all who participate.
Challenges
Challenges
Initially finding a location to meet was a challenge. However, the Tampa community embraced our program. Different spaces have been generously offered for us to use over the past two years. From Islamic Society of Tampa Bay (ISTABA) to American Youth Academy (AYA), and we currently meet at Bayan Academy - Morris Bridge. Word of mouth about our unique high-quality program spread which resulted in outgrowing all our locations and establishing a wait list due to the high demand from the Tampa community for youth programs.
Initially finding a location to meet was a challenge. However, the Tampa community embraced our program. Different spaces have been generously offered for us to use over the past two years. From Islamic Society of Tampa Bay (ISTABA) to American Youth Academy (AYA), and we currently meet at Bayan Academy - Morris Bridge. Word of mouth about our unique high-quality program spread which resulted in outgrowing all our locations and establishing a wait list due to the high demand from the Tampa community for youth programs.
Covid-19
During Covid-19, we transitioned to virtual meetings and continued our program via Zoom. However, our students still needed a safe place to meet in person away from screens. Thus we created our safe summer camp. It was limited to ten students per activity. They enjoyed sports, crafts and culinary arts. As Covid cases increased, we had to limit the acceptance of new students in order to maintain safety protocols. Currently, we are meeting in person. We have three classrooms with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio. We hope to move to a larger location that’s permanent in the near future. Our goal is to continue serving all our youth in the Tampa Area.
Year 2020-21
As we continue to grow this year we established IAM Youth Incorporation and where granted our non-profit 503c statues. We were blessed to have partnered with the University of Tampa Leadership Fellowship Program. They supported our students by providing them with the leadership skills they need to succeed in life. Each quarter we have a leadership theme designed by UT that ties in the Islamic lessons that is prepared ahead of time by our dedicated team. We Also added a professional taught Chess program. We strive to providing new opportunities for our youth and maintaining a high-standards program we have promised. We hope our students will be able to lead their future, Inspire others and be an agent of change for a better , more peaceful world.
We want to thank all the organizations and community members whom have supported us this far, we couldn’t have done this without you.
