Today we’d like to introduce you to Candice Scales.
Hi Candice, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Guilford County Youth Academy was born from a conversation I once had with my late mother. At the time, I was a young parent. I had my first child at 15 and by my early twenties, I was working hard to build stability for my family. Like many parents, I relied on childcare programs, but I began to notice something was missing. They weren’t as hands-on, nurturing, or intentional as the programs I remembered growing up.
That realization sparked something in me.
My mother and I began talking about what it would look like to create a space where children weren’t just supervised, but truly seen. A place where youth could explore opportunities, grow physically and emotionally, and feel safe enough to simply be themselves. We mapped out ideas, dreamed big, and built a vision rooted in mentorship, structure, and love.
Although the vision started years earlier, I didn’t officially launch Guilford County Youth Academy until 2020 two years after my mother passed away. Moving forward without her was difficult, but I refused to let the vision we worked so hard on fade away. Bringing GCYA to life became part of honoring her legacy. Today, every child we serve is a continuation of that original conversation and a reminder that purpose doesn’t expire, even when the people who inspired it are no longer physically with us.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth road? I’m not sure any entrepreneur truly knows what that is, (Laughs).
Owning a business and especially one built from the ground up comes with constant ups and downs. There were moments of doubt, long nights, financial strain, and times when I questioned whether I was doing enough. I’ve been operating for six years, and I’m just now reaching a place where things are flowing the way they’re supposed to.
I didn’t start Guilford County Youth Academy with grant funding or a business loan. I started with a vision and my own personal funds. I worked two jobs while building the academy, talking about it nonstop, planning it day and night, refining details, dreaming out loud.
One day, after hearing me talk through the vision yet again, my husband looked at me and simply said, “Just go ahead and start.”
And that was it.
Looking back, I sometimes joke that he may regret that encouragement because now he wears every hat imaginable. He’s the janitor, the driver, security, the mechanic whatever the academy needs in that moment. But in all seriousness, having that kind of support has made the struggles survivable.
This journey hasn’t been smooth but it’s been purposeful. And every obstacle has strengthened both the vision and my resilience as a leader.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What do I do? Honestly, the better question might be what don’t I do? (Laughs.)
At my core, I am a youth advocate and community builder. I am the founder of Guilford County Youth Academy, where we mentor and support youth through structured afterschool programming, life skills development, and emotional growth. I specialize in creating safe, nurturing environments where children are not just supervised they are supported, challenged, and empowered.
Beyond the academy, I am also one of the founders of Staton Family Foundation, a nonprofit focused on human services here in Greensboro, North Carolina. Through the foundation, we support families in need, collaborate with community partners, and work to fill the gaps where resources may be limited.
I also volunteer within local schools, particularly supporting teachers in grades 3–5. I step in because I see the need. Teachers are stretched thin, and sometimes an extra set of hands or an extra heart makes all the difference.
I’m known for being hands-on. I don’t just create programs I show up. I advocate for youth. I mentor. I help others bring their visions to life. I genuinely love helping people, and I do it because I know firsthand what it feels like to not have consistent support.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the programs it’s the impact. Seeing a child grow in confidence. Watching a parent feel supported. Knowing that something we created has changed a trajectory. That’s what sets us apart.
We don’t just run programs. We build community.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along this journey is to protect your passion.
When you’re building something meaningful, there will always be opinions, comparisons, distractions, and even doubt sometimes from others, sometimes from within. I’ve learned not to allow anyone to diminish what I know I’ve been called to do.
I’ve also learned not to compare my journey to someone else’s. Everyone’s path is different. What is meant for one person may not be meant for you and that’s okay. Comparison can create unnecessary pressure and cause you to question your timing or your progress.
I’ve had to remind myself to stay focused, stay on course, and trust the process. Growth doesn’t always happen overnight. But when you remain committed to your purpose and operate with integrity, things align the way they’re supposed to.
Purpose requires patience and confidence in your own lane.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.guilfordcountyyouthacademy.com
- Instagram: guilfordcntyyouthacademy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialguilfordcntyyouthacademy
