A flag flying against a blue sky with clouds, displaying the logo and name of the Alliance of Elite Youth Leadership.

AEYL

2012

DALLAS, TX

At AEYL (Advancing Excellence for Youth and Leaders), we’re dedicated to uplifting families and empowering teens and young adults—especially those navigating socioeconomic challenges—through a holistic suite of community-driven programs and resources. Our goal is to spark lasting change by fostering leadership, business savvy, and community engagement, all guided by The AEYLWAY: a commitment to inclusion, opportunity, and inspiration.

A man in a white shirt and brown blazer standing next to a woman in a sleeveless green top, indoors with a staircase in the background.

◼MEET THE FOUNDERS

Green shield-shaped badge with the words 'AEYL' in black, with a star in the letter 'A', and a horizontal line crossing the letter 'E'.

Derrick Robinson
A lifelong advocate for youth development, Derrick hails from Marianna, Arkansas, and now channels his experience into molding the next generation here in McKinney, Texas. As a passionate mentor and community leader, he believes that the strongest lessons are learned by example. Derrick’s leadership roles—ranging from local boards to educational initiatives—reflect his dedication to providing teens and young adults with real-world models of success.

Ceretha Robinson
Also a Marianna native, Ceretha brings the drive of an entrepreneur, veteran, and proud Minority-Women-Veteran Owned business owner to AEYL. She guides our entrepreneurial and engagement strategies, emphasizing the importance of both economic opportunity and community connection. Ceretha’s dynamic approach ensures that every program we offer is not only resourceful but also sustainable.

United by their shared roots and vision, Derrick and Ceretha Robinson embody The AEYLWAY: empowering youth through leadership, entrepreneurship, and community involvement.

Group of nine diverse people posing on stairs indoors at night, some smiling and showing enthusiasm, wearing matching black shirts with a logo, in a well-lit space with wooden wall and greenery.

◼THE DREAM TEAM

Our passionate “A” Team brings decades of volunteer leadership and board experience to serve McKinney and Collin County families:

  • BGCCC Parent Club Board (2009–2018): President & Vice President

  • Salvation Army Advisory Board (2009–2018)

  • Leadership McKinney Alumni: Classes of 2019 & 2020

  • McKinney Chamber of Commerce Board (2019–2022)

  • Collin County Census Committee (2022)

  • Holy Family School Board (2022–Present)

  • Truist Bank Advisory Board (2022–Present)

  • 2024 City of McKinney

    • Stakeholder & Redevelopment Committee Member

    • Bond Committee Member

  • VP, REAL Scholars (Hometown High School Alma Mater Scholarship Program)

  • Junior League of Collin County (Member since 2022)

Together, we leverage these diverse experiences to deliver an all-inclusive approach—connecting families to educational support, economic empowerment, and leadership development.

Green shield emblem with black and white 'AEYL' letters and a star in the letter 'A'

◼OUR MISSION

AEYL is a catalyst for change, committed to developing a diverse population of emerging leaders from underrepresented and underserved communities. We exist to eliminate barriers and expand horizons by creating pathways of accessibility, exposure, and opportunity that empower individuals to build a purposeful and promising future.

Group of diverse young people at a booth under a canopy labeled 'Alliance of Elite Youth Leadership,' smiling and making gestures in support of football.

◼ GET INVOLVED

BECOME A SCHOLARSHIP SPONSOR

Join AEYL as a scholarship sponsor and directly empower ambitious teens and young adults. Your support funds education, leadership training, and career opportunities—while highlighting your commitment to community impact. Become a catalyst for the next generation’s success today!

FOLLOW US @aeylway

  • Group of five girls celebrating with certificates of completion and a small snack, smiling in classroom.
  • A beige background with the text "THE AEYL WAY" in large, bold, dark green letters.
  • A large group of people gathered outdoors at a trail running event, with some wearing matching yellow and white shirts, near an inflatable archway that says "Take the Trails." The sky is clear with a few clouds, and a drone is flying overhead.
  • Two scientists in a lab, one wearing safety goggles, working with lab equipment, with a motivational message overlay about leadership and service.
  • Two young people unloading a box from a van, wearing white t-shirts that say 'THE AEYL WAY.' One person is handing the box to another, which has the logo and text 'Alliance of Elite Youth Leadership' on it.
  • Person writing on an interactive whiteboard with math equations and geometric shapes.