About EDSC
Corporate Profile
The Youth Development and Research Fund, Inc. is solely dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk youth, and the policies and programs that serve them through research, training and the power of youth cultural competence (YCC). Our innovative research, training, products and information help policy organizations, advocacy groups, foundations, community based organizations and educational institutions better meet the needs of today’s youth. Our unmatched services, reinforced by a comprehensive network, recognizable staff experts and strategic partnerships with hip-hop industry celebrities, sets the Youth Development and Research Fund, Inc. apart from any other entity seeking to effectively reach and impact today’s youth.
A private, minority-owned enterprise headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, the Youth Development and Research Fund, Inc. is one of the leading authorities on youth programming that utilizes effective practices and youth cultural competence to connect with young people and help them succeed in the world of work and school.
EDSC brings new excitement to youth service models through cutting-edge approaches for working with America’s youth and promoting the importance of work experience and education. Beyond training seminars and workshops, research studies and national polls, EDSC has mastered the art of developing programs that incorporate YCC to reach America’s youth. Signature programs like Second Round Boxing, The DJ Project, and The Service Board are all examples of the power of YCC. EDSC activities and curriculum material have radical results in helping connect youth to the programs that serve them. Hot among today’s youth and programs that serve them are our own compilation CD of hip-hop music, program curriculum and booklists.
Our unique melding of skills as policy analysts, researchers, trainers and entrepreneurs coupled with more than 20 years experience in grassroots youth services provides unmatched insight and consultation to America's youth program network. Consultant to some of the nation's leading youth service organizations, EDSC researches best practices in serving the educational and vocational needs of today’s youth, and disseminates this information to a broad range of youth professionals, practitioners, administrators and educators nationwide. Credentialed by some of the nation's leading collegial and professional training courses, the EDSC staff provides comprehensive training to youth service staff and managers on the latest effective practices to increase youth participation in educational and vocational programs. We count some of the nation's most respected organizations, like the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Mott Foundation, National Youth Employment Coalition, Women in Community Service, the National Urban League and the US Department of Labor, as key strategic allies.
Our Team
 Edward DeJesus is EDSC’s President and Founder. With more than 20 years of experience in youth workforce and development programs, Ed has become one of the most sought after experts on issues affecting at-risk youth. With a great mix of policy and practice, Ed leads the EDSC team in improving programs and policies for youth and young adults.
Learn More About Edward DeJesus and His Presentations & Publications |
 Jeff Zamoff is from Washington, DC , Ma. Ed. 2000 from Temple University, 12 years experience in education and youth development, curriculum design, peer support worker training and supervision, conflict resolution, and consulting to organizations on how to increase Youth Cultural Competence.
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 Jaracus Copes After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Jaracus relocated to California to enter the workforce and attend graduate school to pursue a PhD. in Chemistry. The difficulties he experienced and saw others experience prompted him to find a solution to the educational and societal disparities minorities face. His first venture in this area was a ski weekend in Lake Tahoe to raise money to send African American males to college. In 2003, Jaracus left a successful career in the scientific field to pursue a more fulfilling career preparing youth to transition to the “real world.” He relocated to the Atlanta metro area and began to work with the youth in Coweta County. He relocated once again to the Baltimore/Washington metro area, where he currently resides. In 2006 he incorporated New Destiny, LLC in the state of Maryland with the mission of “educating the whole person.”
In 2007 Jaracus received a Master’s of Science in Nonprofit Management from Eastern University.
Jaracus has received numerous awards and recognition for his philanthropic work. Most recently he was awarded the Harold C. Howard Servant-Leader Award by Eastern University. |
 Eugene Bell is EDSC’s mental health and substance abuse specialist. Eugene has been providing counseling services to at-risk youth and young adults for the past six years. He has been able to integrate various aspects of the YCC model into group counseling. Eugene has 20 years experience developing youth and adult programs in rural California. He is the current program director for Kings View Ready, Set, Go! in Madera California which provides youth and young adult services. Eugene has a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling and is a Certified Career and Vocational Counselor. He brings a bright innovative administrative approach along with creative management concepts to the EDSC team.
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Let EDSC help improve your youth program(s) today! Check out our Testimonials.
Have a look at our Client Portfolio and Case Studies .
To find out about availability & pricing please call 301-216-2566 or email us. |
