ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
We promote education and entrepreneurship to children and youth in central Ohio. Through instruction and exposure, our program participants receive resources and encouragement to discover, affirm, and live out their purpose intentionally.
OUR VISION
Program beneficiaries will be positioned to live productive lives and make positive contributions to society.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
- To develop building blocks that ensure program beneficiaries are positioned to live extraordinary lives.
- To operate with integrity, maintaining always a "standard of excellence."
- To maximize resources and funds to fulfill our mission and vision.
Our Program Philosophy
Why college access? We are committed to offering college access programming because we believe every individual has a purpose to fulfill. For many, post-secondary education provides this opportunity, and early awareness about the process is critical. Life is a journey filled with triumphs and challenges, and we want to offer building blocks to help youth successfully matriculate through high school, to college and graduation day!
Workers with professional degrees have higher median weekly earnings and lower unemployment rates than those with lower education levels. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with graduate degrees (master's, professional, and doctoral degrees) had the highest earnings and lowest unemployment rates in 2021. The median weekly earnings for a worker with a master's degree is $1,574 per week, which is 16% higher than a worker with a bachelor's degree. The unemployment rate for workers with a master's degree is 2.6%.**
In 2023, the median weekly earnings for full-time wage and salary workers in management, professional, and related occupations was $1,751 for men and $1,312 for women***. The unemployment rate varies depending on the level of education attained. Workers aged 25 and over earning less than a high school diploma had the highest unemployment rate (8.3 percent) among all education levels. Workers with graduate degrees had the lowest unemployment rates 1.
It's important to note that these are general trends and that salaries and unemployment rates can vary depending on the industry, experience, location, and other factors.
Many say most startup entrepreneurs have at least a bachelor's degree. However, it is also worth noting that while having a college degree can benefit entrepreneurs, it is not the only factor determining success. Other factors such as experience, creativity, and perseverance can also play a significant role in an entrepreneur's success.
Many successful entrepreneurs such as Russell Simmons, Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates did not complete their college degrees. In addition, Jay-Z was reportedly worth over $1 billion. He dropped out of high school in Brooklyn, New York. Daymond John, founder of FUBU, a famous clothing brand in the 1990s, also dropped out of school.
Some colleges and universities offer entrepreneurship programs that can help aspiring entrepreneurs develop the skills and knowledge necessary to start their businesses. These programs can range from undergraduate degrees in entrepreneurship to MBA programs with a concentration in entrepreneurship.
*Career Outlook article page - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
** Average Salary by Education Level | Moneywise
*** Usual Weekly Earnings Summary - 2023 Q02 Results - U.S. Bureau of Labor
To this end we embrace the value of:
College Preparation and Enrichment
We do this by building program participants' awareness and enhancing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will prepare students to enroll and succeed in college. We continue to develop the program to introduce the importance of a personal mission statement and how it, self-management, and relationship skills better prepare students to thrive and graduate. Social and emotional learning activities are essential, along with academics, to prepare students for college success.
Asset Development
We do this by directing youth and parents to resources and community services and programs that meet their developmental needs.
Exposure
We strive to accomplish this by offering virtual and affordable in-person and college tours that provide participants a glimpse of "college life" firsthand and introduce youth to professionals who look like them and are living out their purpose. We also strive to present the value of a college degree and entrepreneurship opportunities in pursuit of passion and purpose