The 100s programmatic cornerstones are Mentoring, Education, Economic Empowerment, & Health and Wellness. Our COVID-19 relief efforts bridge the digital divide by ensuring disadvantaged students have (1) appropriate electronic equipment & Wi-Fi access to complete their schoolwork, (2) participate in virtual mentoring sessions & other educational enrichment, (3) provide masks for mentees, (4) host virtual town halls, & (5) provide parents who are essential workers with gift cards for necessities.
There are thousands of families with school-aged children who do not have reliable internet connectivity at home or electronic devices, leading to dramatic inequities in outcomes, particularly for African Americans. Without these vital resources' students are in jeopardy of not graduating and falling behind. As it relates to health, African Americans are disproportionally more vulnerable to COVID-19 at higher rates than others because of preexisting conditions and crowded living conditions.
This project will equip underserved students with essential educational resources, virtual support, and a mentor who will positively affect their life in this COVID-19 climate. We will host virtual mentoring sessions, virtual field trips, and other summer enrichment programs. Additionally, through this project, we will slow the spread of the coronavirus and prevent possible exposure by providing 500,000 masks for our mentees and their families.
This virtual learning, mentoring, & masks project will expand the opportunities of 125,000 underserved youth. Virtual learning will provide electronic devices and Wi-Fi access for students to complete their schoolwork and remain on track for graduation. Virtual mentoring will offer a haven for minority youth to discuss their mental and emotional well-being in this pandemic world. Masks for mentees will help prevent possible exposure by providing 500,000 masks for our mentees and their families.
