Embody Youth Academy

Strengthening individuals

to realize their potential

and lead in their communities

Support our Mission
Nighttime cityscape of downtown skyscrapers illuminated, including a tall pointed building on the left and a shorter clock tower on the right, with streets below lit by streetlights.
Group of young people and two adult men in athletic stances with fists raised, inside a boxing gym with flags hanging from the ceiling.

What is Embody?

Embody Youth Academy is a faith-based youth development organization dedicated to creating spaces where students are known, heard and transformed into who God created them to be. Strengthening young people through mentorship, leadership development, and skilled training.

Currently through athletics, mentorship, and community engagement, we equip youth with discipline, confidence, resilience, and purpose—helping them realize their potential and lead in their communities. We are growing into a holistic approach with the addition of developing a creative arts program, work opportunities and woman’s training program summer 2026.

As an independent program operating in partnership with Building Hope in the City, our fiscal sponsor and 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner, we rely on the generosity of supporters to expand access, provide scholarships, and create life-changing opportunities for youth in Cleveland.

Support the Mission
About
Students

You’re invited!
Embody 101 is a short, welcoming gathering for anyone who wants to learn more about Embody Youth Academy and ways to support the youth in Cleveland. Hosted the last Saturday of every month. Click Below to learn more

Embody 101
An empty boxing gym with heavy punching bags hanging from the ceiling, punching mitts, and gym equipment including fans and a small sled on a concrete floor.

At Embody Youth Academy, we are raising up warriors, ambassadors, and servant leaders—ready to serve and transform their communities.

Our vision extends further, with 2026 plans to integrate:

  • Nutrition

  • Creative arts and Outdoor Programs

  • Academic coaching and Tutoring

  • Various enriching events and field trips

within the near future to develop well-rounded individuals prepared for life’s challenges.

Multiple young men practicing boxing in a gym with boxing gloves and punching bags, one of them is standing near a punching bag and others are engaged in training or sparring.
Two young men sitting and talking, one appears to be listening while the other is speaking, in a black and white photo.
Two young men in boxing gloves and protective headgear practicing boxing techniques in a gym.
Two young men exercising on stationary bikes indoors, one smiling and the other with a neutral expression, against a white brick wall.
Two people practicing martial arts in a gym, one person executing a high kick toward the other who is holding a padded shield.
Two boys sparring in boxing gloves in a gym, practicing with a punching bag. One boy is on the left wearing a sleeveless shirt and the other is on the right wearing a long-sleeve shirt. The gym has a fan, American flag, and various equipment.
Two athletes on the ground competing in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or grappling match, with one trying to control the other.
Three men training in a martial arts gym with a white brick wall, one man demonstrating a technique while the other two observe.
A person working out in a gym, moving a punching bag near a padded boxing station, with equipment like weights and a fan in the background.
Boy on hands and knees using an ab wheel in a gym, with a man standing nearby.
Two boys sparring in boxing gloves in a gym, with one boy hitting the other in the face and the other blocking.
A young male boxer with dark hair in boxing gloves, leaning on his boxing gloves and looking directly at the camera with a serious expression.
Two individuals practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on a mat, with one person in a black gi and the other in a black T-shirt and shorts, while a third person observes.
Two men practicing boxing in a gym, one holding focus mitts and the other wearing boxing gloves preparing to punch.
Children practicing boxing in a gym with boxing gloves and punching bags.
A man with a beard and long hair tied back, smiling, wearing athletic gear, holding boxing mitts in a gym.
A man wearing a hoodie is practicing boxing with a punching bag in a gym. Another person is partially visible in the foreground.
Two people wearing boxing gloves, headgear, and athletic clothing sparring in a boxing gym with black padded walls and boxing equipment.
Young adult male practicing boxing with a trainer in a gym, throwing a punch at the trainer's mitts, with other people exercising in the background.
A group of children and teenagers sitting in a circle on an outdoor basketball court, engaged in a discussion or activity.
A young man in a gym flexing his biceps, wearing a sleeveless athletic shirt and shorts, with fitness equipment and a tripod visible in the background.