EOYDC describes itself as a community-based solution for solving social injustice and inequality, and a national model for youth development.

[4] Since it opened, it began providing free programs five days a week for people in the Elmhurst District of East Oakland.

[5] The mission of EOYDC is to develop the social and leadership capacities of youth so that they succeed in education, career, and service to their communities.

EOYDC tries to fulfill this mission by offering educational, cultural, artistic expression and recreation programs.

Of primary concern at the EOYDC is teaching youth to embrace their cultures and to live and work responsibly and cooperatively with other communities.