Success Story

For the past 21 years Children & Charity International (CAC) has engaged and enriched the lives of over 55,000 students, parents, and educators in the United States and internationally with afterschool programs and STEM activities. During that time we have heard many great stories of achievement. One such story is of Demetrice Lester. He graduated with a 4.0 grade point average from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Washington DC and entered Toledo University, Ohio to pursue Business Studies. Demetrice was introduced to CAC Summer Enrichment program by his mentor, Det. Thomas. He started by volunteering for 6 weeks each year to assist program staff. Since then, Demetrice has excelled in our program and is a role model to other youth. He now serves year round as a Peer Mentor to community youth by brainstorming with them on ways to deal with life's everyday struggles, and still be successful. As President of the Student Body at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Demetrice visited the White House with members of the Student Government Association (SGA). Mr. Lester recently expressed his feelings about his experiences at CAC this way, "Children & Charity and Mrs. James have been instrumental in my life. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with such a great lady who really cares for the youth in and out of her community. She really inspires me to branch off and do things myself which will also help out youth. I started my own organization because of her." CAC will continue to follow the progress of Demetrice and other graduates of Children & Charity programs.