Our Mission

To create a bond between the University of Dayton students and the children of the Dakota Center by promoting the spirit of service and leadership among it’s members in order to benefit the children of the Dakota Center’s overall well being.

Dakota Center

The Dakota Center began in 1965 in a rented building on Dakota St. that had to be abandoned after a fire. After using two temporary sites, plans were drawn up and money raised for a much larger new building that included a gym. Moving-in took place in October, 2000 with the official opening the following May.
The Dakota Center is a community center located in inner west Dayton. Children from kindergarten to high school use the center for after school tutoring, computer classes, arts and crafts activities, recreation, and youth nutrition. A brand new building was recently built in May of 2001 and is located at 33 Barnett Street and overseen by the Executive Director, Sharon Barrett-Mitchell.

The UD Dakota Center Club

Established in 2002, members of UD’s Dakota Center Club travel to the Dakota Center at least once a week to tutor the children after school. The after school program is from 3-6pm and it is required that each member chooses at least one day per week to volunteer. We help the children with their homework, make arts and crafts, and play games with them.

Besides the once per week commitment, there are field trips to different areas of Dayton. This is usually done on Fridays. Other activities include holiday parties and more!

To learn more about the club, check out the Dakota Center Club's Constitution.

Overall…

The UD Dakota Center Club is a great experience for people who enjoy helping kids. We have members of all majors and each thoroughly enjoys the club and the kids.

Questions?