Skip to content
344 East Brighton Ave. & 2200 Valley Dr., Syracuse, NY (315) 396-0148  ·  [email protected]
Log in Donate
A mentor helps two children with their homework at The Determination Center
Syracuse, New York

A safe place for Syracuse kids to learn and grow.

Since 2007 we have run after-school programs, Pre-K and toddler care, alternative classes for middle and high school students, and support for kids with autism. Children also get breakfast, lunch and dinner with us every day.

Enroll a child Donate
Since 2007Serving Syracuse families
Pre-K to 12Toddlers through high school
Two sitesEast Brighton Ave. & Valley Dr.
501(c)(3)Public charity · EIN 20-5743601

Where would you like to start?

Choose the side that fits you.

For families

Programs for your child and help for your household.

For supporters

Ways to help the kids in our programs.

Our programs

What we do

Four programs, run out of our buildings on East Brighton Ave. and Valley Dr.

Middle-school students build a robot with a tutor
After school

After-School & STEM

Homework help and tutoring after school, plus science, technology and art projects.

Learn more
A teacher reads a story to Pre-K children
Toddlers & Pre-K

Early Childhood

Toddler care and Pre-K at our Valley Dr. site, to get young children ready for kindergarten.

Enroll
A mentor talks with a high-school student
Middle & high school

Alternative Education

Classes and mentoring for middle and high school students who need a different setting.

Enroll
A teacher sits with a child in a calm sensory room
Individual support

Autism & Sensory Support

A quiet sensory room and one-on-one help for children with autism.

Learn more
Children share a hot dinner served by staff
A normal day

What kids get here

A hungry or worried child can't focus on schoolwork. So we start with the basics.

  • Daily mealsBreakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Homework helpHelp with schoolwork
  • MentoringAdults they can talk to
  • Field tripsTrips around Syracuse and beyond
  • STEM & the artsProjects they build themselves
  • Back-to-school helpCoats, clothes and school supplies
See all programs
Volunteers hand out backpacks and coats to families
Families and neighbors

We help families too

Sometimes the problem isn't school. A family loses its apartment, or a grandparent can't manage alone. We help where we can. We also hold back-to-school giveaways and neighborhood events that anyone can join.

Explore our causes Get family support
Our story
Mrs. Bettie Graham founded The Determination Center in 2007 and still runs it today.

Mrs. Bettie GrahamFounder and Director

MLK “Unsung Hero” Award Syracuse University awards 501(c)(3) public charity

Read our story

Get involved

Want to help?

Here are the main ways.

Give

Your gift pays for meals, school supplies and staff. Donations are tax-deductible.

Donate now

Volunteer

Tutor after school, mentor a teenager, or help out at a giveaway.

Become a volunteer

Partner

Businesses and schools can sponsor a program or donate supplies.

Partner with us
For funders

Information for grant makers

The basics are listed here, and our tax filings are public. For a budget, program details or a site visit, please email us.

[email protected]

  • Legal nameThe Determination Center of Central New York Inc.
  • Status501(c)(3) public charity
  • EIN20-5743601
  • Founded2007 · Syracuse, NY
  • Public filingsIRS Form 990 ↗