ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth

ICAN's mission is to provide access to out-of-school time opportunities that empower all youth and their families to pursue what is most meaningful to them.

ICAN was founded in 1991 by a Chandler citizen, Henry Salinas. He was a humble man who saw gang violence impacting the youth in his community, and chose to devote himself to making a change. Henry's initial investment of time and compassion to area teens has blossomed into a nationally-recognized, full service youth center whose programs are still free to the community that Henry held so dear, and now impacts youth, teens, and their families. With five sites across Mesa and Chandler, ICAN now serves over 700 youth throughout the school year, over intersessions, and during summer breaks.

Founded by the community and for the community, ICAN is unique as our programming is offered at no cost to families. This is because we believe that every child and their family should have access to out-of-school time programs, increasing economic stability and security. ICAN is more than childcare as we support youth in life skills development, educational enrichment, and career exploration.

Testimonials

"At the time that my children were attending ICAN, I was a single mother of seven children. I was a preschool paraprofessional at the time and therefore could not afford to send my children to daycare. Over the years, ICAN provided a safe, educational environment for my children at no cost to us. That alone was enough to be grateful for, but ICAN went way above and beyond that. [My one] son discovered his love for technology and nature while attending ICAN... as a result, [he] is now going off to NAU in the fall to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering. Thank you so much ICAN for all the support and everything you did for us." - Nneka O., Former ICAN Parent

"ICAN has been extremely impactful to the Longfellow Elementary community. Students are provided opportunities that, without ICAN, would not be available to them. They are receiving homework/tutoring support, STEAM activities and being exposed to various outdoor activities. The students feel safe with the staff and are thriving during the regular school day due to having caring and supportive adults and fellow students they can connect with. We have found that the relationships the staff has created with students and their families has ensured that the program is successful". - Aimee De La Torre, Former Longfellow Elementary Principal