This holiday season we reflect on what drives us forward throughout the year, and we extend gratitude for all who invest in us. Fifty-percent. That's how many of the students in East Point and College Park graduate from high school. At Future Foundation, we've doubled that average. In our first decade, we ensured that 100% of our students graduated, despite poorly performing high schools, and went on to post-secondary institutions. That's one way we're bridging gaps between dreams and reality - and combatting daunting statistics through our core programs. To view in entirety, click here. Just as we've improved graduation rates, we're serious about addressing poverty - and … [Read more...] about It’s about connectedness this holiday season – and every day.
poverty
Dreams vs. Reality
My heart has been heavy this week as I learned about the consecutive killings of two South Fulton students due to senseless violence. One of those students, Benson West, was a freshmen at Banneker High School and participating in our RealTalk ATL Program. I never met Benson, but I learned from our team this morning he was quiet in class, it was clear he was struggling with something, and recently asked about our College4Careers Program. Hearing about Benson's inquiry eerily illustrated for me the gap between the dreams and the realities facing our youth living in impossible situations due to violence and poverty. Above are pictures I received this week of students at Banneker High School … [Read more...] about Dreams vs. Reality
Selling yourself in 30 seconds or less
An elevator pitch or speech is very short, persuasive and designed to create interest in a project, idea, product—or even yourself. According to MindTools, a good elevator speech should be interesting, memorable, and succinct. It needs to explain what makes you unique. And it should be no longer than a short elevator ride—20 to 30 seconds. Believing that self-empowerment starts with self-confidence, we have been using elevator speeches as part of our summer program curriculum. It all starts by working with the students to help them define themselves. That includes using gratitude journals that students use to write about what they’re grateful for and self-esteem journals that contain … [Read more...] about Selling yourself in 30 seconds or less
J. Young Media’s Helping Our Youth Stand Out!
We had the opportunity to work with J Young Media, an award winning full service video production company. They utilize skilled videographers, producers, production assistants, editors, motion graphic artists, and other contractors. They use their abilities to collaborate with and promote local nonprofits using video (documentaries, PSA’s, video series, etc.) to create awareness and initiate change from the populations these nonprofits serve. J Young Media is currently in pre-production on a youth based series based in Atlanta, GA. The story will consist of a group of at-risk youth that are enduring a variety of social, emotional, and academic issues throughout their adolescent lives. … [Read more...] about J. Young Media’s Helping Our Youth Stand Out!
Stakeholder Spotlight: Javana Monson-Hodges
One in a series of profiles of the people who make our work possible. Javana is Program Manager of our Reef House Learning Center. Her recent graduation from Atlanta Technical College with an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Business Administration helped motivate Future Foundation students to focus on their own high school graduation. Javana also has certification in Child Development from Laney and Merritt College in Oakland, California, and earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential from Spelman College. Where do you live? College Park Describe your current activities at Future Foundation. I serve as the Program Manager of the Reef House Learning Center, where … [Read more...] about Stakeholder Spotlight: Javana Monson-Hodges
Future Foundation Night recognizes graduating high school seniors
On April 14, the Atlanta Hawks took on the Charlotte Bobcats at Philips Arena. But the night wasn’t just about basketball—it was also a way to recognize the success of our 2014 graduating seniors by acknowledging their academic achievement in a very public way. The event really began on March 28, when Atlanta Hawks mascot Harry the Hawk came to the Reef House Learning Center to lead a Pep Rally. Then, before the game on April 14, fans and onlookers watched as 12 youth were recognized for their academic achievements. Future Foundation Board Chairman Eric Barnum spoke and presented two youth with special court level seats. Future Foundation staff then joined the students and their families … [Read more...] about Future Foundation Night recognizes graduating high school seniors