CREATE
·
2024 Grants Challenge

Resources and Educational Assistance for Deserving Youth

The Resources and Education Assistant for Deserving Youth Program is dedicated to empowering young minds through dynamic STEAM programs and personalized tutoring sessions, ensuring every student has the tools to thrive. By fostering a supportive and engaging community, we inspire confidence and curiosity, paving the way for a brighter future for all.

Donate

What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?

Youth economic advancement

In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?

Educational resources for foster and systems-impacted youth are vital lifelines that help bridge the gap between potential and opportunity. These young individuals face unique challenges, including frequent relocations, emotional upheaval, and interrupted schooling, which can hinder academic progress and personal development. By providing tailored educational programs, mentorship, and access to technology, we can ensure that these children not only keep pace with their peers but also excel in their pursuits. It's about creating an environment where they feel supported, valued, and empowered.
Moreover, the need for Youth Economic Advancement goes hand-in-hand with educational resources. Education is the foundation, but without pathways to economic stability, it remains just a stepping stone. Foster and systems-impacted youth often lack the networks and resources that can open doors to internships, job training, and higher education opportunities.

Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.

READY is multifaceted, incorporating mentorship, skill-building workshops, and financial literacy education. Our mentorship program pairs each participant with a dedicated mentor who provides guidance, encouragement, and real-world insights. Through these meaningful relationships, young people gain confidence and a clearer vision of their potential career paths. Additionally, our skill-building workshops cover a range of topics from resume writing and interview techniques to digital skills and entrepreneurship, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to navigate the job market and seize economic opportunities and improve Youth economic advancement.

Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.

Our program aims to provide comprehensive support, from tutoring and mentorship to college readiness workshops. This would lead to higher graduation rates and more students pursuing higher education. I
Economically, the county would see a surge in innovation and entrepreneurship. By offering resources like financial literacy training, job readiness programs, and networking opportunities, we would cultivate a generation of young professionals ready to enter the workforce with a competitive edge. The increase in economic activity would not only benefit individuals but also contribute to a more robust and vibrant local economy.
By expanding our partnerships, enhancing our digital presence, and fostering community engagement, we can empower the next generation to reach their full potential.

What evidence do you have that this project, program, or initiative is or will be successful, and how will you define and measure success?

The evaluation of the Chics Helping Inner City Adolescents program will encompass self-assessments, surveys, and the analysis of specific data gathered throughout the program. This data includes academic progress, employment updates, and feedback from our post-program outreach team, who stay connected with the adolescents. To gauge our impact, we monitor: The number and percentage of mentored youth showing improved self-worth and self-esteem.
The number and percentage of mentored youth engaging for 12 months who enroll in college within the first year after high school graduation.
The number and percentage of mentored youth engaging for 12 months who secure and retain full-time employment.
External auditors and inspectors will have priority access to evaluate the project's performance when requested by the grant-providing organization, ensuring transparency in assessing the organization's progress.

Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?

Direct Impact: 25.0

Indirect Impact: 26.0