Events

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eyp events

Rise Up Dads: Bowling & Arcade Day

Join Empowering Young People in partnership with Kut Different for an afternoon dedicated to fatherhood engagement and community bonding in Ocala! This event is designed to celebrate dads and provide a fun, active space for families to connect.

📅 Date: Saturday, February 28th
🕒 Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Bowlero (1818 SW 17th St, Ocala, FL 34471)
🎟️ Cost: Free for children of Rise Up Dads members

Spaces are limited! We have only 25 slots available for kids, so be sure to register and secure your spot at this exciting community event.

How to Participate

This event is exclusive to our Rise Up Dads family! To participate, you must be an active member of the Rise Up Dads program. If you haven’t joined yet, simply sign up on our website to become a member and unlock access to this and future engagement events.

Once you are a member, you can register your children to enjoy free bowling and arcade games. Don’t wait—slots are first-come, first-served!

Real McCoy x Shuler Elite Exposure Camp: Empowering the Next Generation of Athletes

Join Empowering Young People for the Real McCoy x Shuler Elite Exposure Camp, a high-energy athletic event designed to provide young athletes with elite-level training, mentorship, and the platform they need to showcase their skills!

This exciting camp will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 790 Fairvilla Rd Orlando, FL. While there is a registration fee for participating athletes, entrance is FREE for all attendees and families who want to come out and support our local talent.

Event Highlights:

  • Elite Exposure: Direct opportunity for athletes to showcase their skills in front of coaches and scouts.

  • Skill Development: High-intensity training sessions held from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM.

  • Community Connection: A high-energy environment featuring local vendors, music, and family fun.

How to Participate:

  • Athletes: Sign up today to secure your spot! The registration fee is $35 per athlete (plus a 3% processing fee).

  • Vendors: Local businesses can connect with the community by securing a booth—$100 for Selling Vendors and $50 for Non-Selling/Service Vendors.

  • Sponsors: Partner with us to empower our youth! Various sponsorship tiers are available to help fund this impactful community event.

Let’s come together to support, guide, and empower the future leaders of our sports community!

Lake Country Christmas

:christmas_tree: 4th Annual Lake County Christmas :gift:Join Empowering Young People for our Fourth Annual Lake County Christmas, a heartwarming community celebration dedicated to bringing joy to families across Lake County!This free event will take place on Friday, December 13 at the Nathaniel Community Gymnasium in Groveland, FL. Families are invited to enjoy an afternoon of fun, community connection, and holiday cheer.:sparkles: Event Highlights:• Free toys and gifts for children infant to 18 years old• Exciting raffle giveaways for bikes, laptops, and more• Music, community resources, and family fun:gift: How to Participate:Sign up today to register your child to receive a free toy and secure your spot at this year’s celebration. This event is open to all Lake County residents—spaces are limited, so don’t wait!Let’s come together to make this Christmas season brighter for every child in our community. :heart:

Be the Highlight, Not the Headline: Don’t Be a DUI Statistic

Don’t be a statistic. On September 24 at 7:00 PM, join us at the Nathaniel Community Gymnasium for an eye-opening event to learn about the real dangers of impaired driving.

This event is for middle and high school students, and we’ll be discussing how smart, responsible choices can protect you, your friends, and your community.

We’re proud to partner with MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and a special thanks to Chick-fil-A for sponsoring the meal.

EYP Events

Fatherhood Initiative

Fatherhood Initiative Hosted by Empowering Young People

Marion & Citrus Counties: Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025 Time: 10 AM Location: 1124 S Pine Ave, Ocala

Lake & Sumter Counties: Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025 Time: 10 AM Location: Hope International Church

Cost: FREE

The Fatherhood Initiative provides an inspiring and empowering experience for fathers and father figures. Each event begins with a complimentary hot breakfast, followed by engaging talks on the importance of fatherhood and family strengthening. Attendees will receive a comprehensive program overview highlighting our 24/7 Dads Curriculum and have the opportunity for on-site enrollment.

Virtual Classes Begin: Week of September 15, 2025 Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Duration: 12 Sessions

What’s Included:

  • Free Hot Breakfast
  • Program Overview & Curriculum Highlights
  • Guest Speaker on The Importance of Fatherhood
  • On-Site Enrollment + Virtual Access Support

Additional In-Person Engagement Events

Lake & Sumter Counties: Sept 27 – Clermont National | Nov 15 – VIA Entertainment Marion & Citrus Counties: Oct 25 – Bowlero | Nov 29 – Sky Zone

For more information or to register, contact us at +352-366-8931 or empoweringyp@gmail.com Visit: empoweringyp.com

Elevate After School Program Registration

Elevate After School Program
Hosted by Empowering Young People at Hope Preparatory Academy

Start Date: September 2nd
Days/Time: Monday – Friday, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Cost: $100 per student per week (1-month commitment; pay weekly or monthly)

The Elevate After School Program provides a safe, structured, and enriching environment for students. Each day begins at 3:00 PM with homework help and a snack. At 4:00 PM, students transition into their selected program — Media, Dance, or Physical Activity — led by dedicated instructors.

Pick-up: By 6:00 PM (late pick-up fees apply)

Real McCoy Exposure Football Camp

Get ready for the first-ever Real McCoy Exposure Football Camp, proudly sponsored by Empowering Young People! This high-impact training event is designed for football players in 8th to 12th grade who are ready to elevate their game, gain exposure, and receive elite coaching from special guest position coaches with collegiate and professional experience.

📅 Date: Saturday, July 26th
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: South Lake High School Football Field
💵 Cost: $35 per athlete

Spaces are limited! Click the link below to register and secure your spot at this one-of-a-kind experience.

Disclaimer – Real McCoy Exposure Football Camp

The Real McCoy Exposure Football Camp is hosted exclusively by Empowering Young People (EYP) and is not affiliated with any high school, high school athletic program, or high school coach. No high school coaches will be facilitating, coaching, or conducting drills during this camp.

To maintain the integrity and independence of the camp, we kindly ask all participants to refrain from wearing any high school-branded shirts, uniforms, or apparel.

Please note that video recording and photography will be conducted on-site throughout the duration of the camp. By participating, you consent to the use of images and footage for promotional and media purposes by Empowering Young People.

EYP 3-Point Shootout Competition vs. Groveland Police

Wednesday, April 30th
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Nathaniel Community Gymnasium
13806 SR-33, Groveland, FL

Join us for an exciting night of hoops, fun, and community connection at the EYP 3-Point Shootout Competition! Middle and high school students are invited to show off their skills as they go head-to-head in a friendly shootout against the City of Groveland Police Department.

🎯 Free Prizes
🍗 Chick-fil-A for All Attendees
🏀 Bragging Rights on the Line!

Come ready to compete, cheer, and connect in a safe and fun environment. This is a FREE event exclusively for middle and high school students—don’t miss it!

Football Training - Oline & Dline

Join us for an exciting spring football training led by founder TJ McCoy and former NFL player Corey Vereen. This is a unique opportunity for 8th to 12th grade athletes to receive top-tier training from experienced professionals.

Training Details:

  • Date: April 12, 2025 
  • Time: 10:00 AM to 1 pm
  • Location: 13806 SR-33 Groveland, FL 34736

Important Requirements:

  • Athletes must bring their own helmet, pads, and WATER to participate.
  • If you don’t have helmet or shoulder pads you can still attending the training! 

Training Fees:

  • Defensive Line Training: $15 per athlete per day
  • Offensive Line Training: $10 per athlete per day
Note: Payment is due on the day of training before the session starts. Athletes cannot participate without making the required payment. Don’t miss this chance to improve your skills and learn from the best. Click the link below to register today!

Built to Succeed: A Night of Inspiration for Young Entrepreneurs

📅 Date: March 26, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Nathaniel Community Gymnasium

Empowering Young People invites middle and high school students to our Built to Succeed event—an exciting and inspiring evening where young, successful entrepreneurs share their journey of building their own businesses at a young age.

Come and hear firsthand how these entrepreneurs turned their dreams into reality! 

Learn about:
✅ How they started their businesses
✅ The challenges they faced and how they overcame them
✅ Essential tips for young aspiring entrepreneurs
✅ The mindset and skills needed to succeed in business

This is a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable insights, network with successful business owners, and be inspired to start their own entrepreneurial journey!

To learn more about our guest speakers, visit our social media pages for updates and speaker spotlights! 📲

Don’t miss out—join us for a night of motivation, learning, and success! 💡🔥

2nd Annual Athlete Panel

This event is designed to motivate and inspire young athletes and students through powerful stories of perseverance, leadership, and success from accomplished athletes.

🌟 What to Expect:
✅ Engaging discussions with athletes about their journeys
✅ Q&A session where students can ask questions and gain valuable advice
✅ Networking opportunities for aspiring athletes and leaders
✅ Free meal sponsored by Chick-fil-A 🍽️

📍 Location: [Insert Venue]
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM

🚨 This event is exclusively for middle and high school students. 🚨

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to hear firsthand what it takes to succeed in sports and life.

#EYPTakeover Event: Goal Setting for a Brighter Future

Join us for an exciting #EYPtakeover event designed exclusively for middle and high school students to inspire and empower them to set goals, dream big, and take action to achieve their aspirations! This impactful event will take place on Wednesday, February 29th, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Nathaniel Community Gymnasium, located at 13806 SR-33, Groveland, FL 34736.

Our special guest speaker, Doris Jackson-Shazier, an experienced Leadership Coach and Consultant, will guide students through the importance of goal setting and provide the tools needed to become both a dreamer and a dream catcher. Attendees will leave motivated and equipped to turn their dreams into reality through practical strategies and faith-based inspiration.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Wednesday, February 29th
🕡 Time: Doors open at 6:30 PM | Event: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Location: Nathaniel Community Gymnasium, 13806 SR-33, Groveland, FL 34736

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insight, connect with peers, and take the first step toward achieving your dreams.

Shazier Coaching and Consulting – www.shaziercoahcingconsult.com

Lake County Christmas

We will be hosting our Third Annual Lake County Christmas Saturday, December 14th, 2024

Time: 5PM – 7PM 

Location: Nathaniel Community Gymnasium 

13806 SR-33 Groveland FL 34736

This event we will have a toy give-away for kids ages 2-18 years olds, FREE pictures with Santa, Bounce houses,  AND MORE!

We are currently accepting donations and toys for kids ages 2-18 years old. You can drop your toys off at Hope International Church Monday – Friday 7am – 5pm (13806 SR-33 Groveland, FL 34736)

If your business would like to be a part of this event, please email us (empoweringyp@gmail.com). You will have the opportunity to market your business, have your logo printed on all photos and displayed on our large screens in the Nathaniel Community Gymnasium during the event. Or you can attend in person with your own booth!

Toy Reserve – NOW CLOSED

If you did not get the chance to reserve a toy for your child DO NOT FRET Our goal is to give a toy to every child present at the event. If you still would like to request a toy CONTACT US 

FOLLOW US on social media to keep up with announcements such as raffle tickets, toy  reservations, and updates about all other events.  

Turkey Donations

Empowering Young People is partnering with Hope International Church to bring warmth and joy to families in need this Thanksgiving by hosting a Turkey Drive! 

We’re accepting turkey donations on Friday, November 22nd, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Saturday, November 23rd, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Hope International Church, located at 13606 SR-33, Groveland, FL 34736.

Together, let’s make this Thanksgiving special for our community. If you know of a family or organization in need, please reach out to us via email.

What is your "WHY?"

This is a motivational event for middle school and high school students where they get the chance to hear from and speak to former collegiate and NFL athlete. The goal of this event is to motivate students to continue to achieve and work on their goals they have set for 2024! 

When: Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Where: Nathaniel Community Gymnasium

13806 SR-33 Groveland, FL 34736

Time: 7pm – 9pm

** Doors open at 6:45pm**

Guest Speaker

Freddie Stevenson

FSU football 2013 -2016 played for the Chicago Bears in 2017

Instagram: @strugglemade105
Facebook: Freddie Stevenson
Click here to purchase his book . 
Documentary Film: Trials to Triumph

Athlete Panel

This is an educational event for middle school and high school students where they get the chance to hear from and speak to professional and former professional athletes on how they achieved their goals/dreams of playing at the highest level in their sport. 

When: Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Where: Nathaniel Community Gymnasium

13806 SR-33 Groveland, FL 34736

Time: 7pm – 9pm

** Doors open at 6:45pm**

Guest Speakers

Sylvester “Sly” Williams 

2016 Super Bowl Champion
Instagram: @slywilliamsmotivation

Tony McQuay 

2x Olympic Medalist & 4x World Championship Medalist
Instagram: @quay400 

Corey Vereen

Former New England Patriot 
Instagram: @Machinevereen

Let's Talk About it

This is an educational event for middle school and high school students where we discuss STI’s, Soul Ties, Consent, Media and Peer Pressure. 

When: Wednesday, February 28th, 2024

Where: Nathaniel Community Gymnasium

13806 SR-33 Groveland, FL 34736

 

Support Empowering Young People (EYP) Through Your Generosity

Empowering Young People (EYP) is dedicated to uplifting middle and high school youth through mentorship, education, and community engagement.