Music playing. Students rehearsing. Friendly competition in the kitchen. At the Wayne Avenue Boys & Girls Club Out-of-School Time (OST) program, learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends, and Dominique “Dom” Izaya Coles helps make sure of that.
At the center of the program is Dom, a leader known for bringing creativity, energy, and innovation to every space he enters. Known as “Dom” to colleagues and Izaya to friends and family, he describes himself as a creative and optimistic leader who believes in thinking outside the box. For more than six years, he has been dedicated to creating spaces where young people feel empowered to learn, express themselves, and explore new opportunities.
His journey into OST work is deeply personal. Traditional school environments did not always nurture his creativity, and that experience now drives his commitment to ensuring young people have the freedom to explore their interests and discover their strengths. Through OST, Dom believes students should have opportunities to grow beyond the classroom and see that their potential has no limits.
At Wayne Ave Boys & Girls Club, that vision comes to life through engaging, hands-on programming. From performance showcases and friendly competitions between Boys & Girls Club sites to culinary activities where students proudly bring home meals, they created themselves, the program blends creativity, skill-building, and community.
These experiences do more than keep students engaged, they help build confidence, leadership, and a sense of pride that extends beyond the program and into their homes and communities.
Dom says his focus is simple: ensuring youth are leading. By intentionally developing leadership skills in both students and staff, he is helping create a culture where young people are encourages to take initiative, use their voices, and shape their own paths.
Visit this website to learn more about the Wayne Avenue Boys & Girls Club program! Visit the OST program locator to enroll your child in an after-school program today.
