Business Plan

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Executive Summary

Guided Futures is a mentorship program designed to empower students and young people by providing them with the tools, experiences, and resources needed to succeed academically, professionally, and personally. The program focuses on hands-on mentorship, career exploration, financial support, and wellness initiatives, creating a transformative experience that prepares participants for a successful future. With a pilot program launching at York College, Guided Futures will target feeder schools in Jamaica, Queens, and Far Rockaway, addressing systemic educational and social challenges. The program includes mentorship, work-study opportunities, wellness sessions, and comprehensive skill-building programs. Long-term, Guided Futures aims to provide scholarships to cover tuition, stipends, and dorm accommodations for York College students and establish a headquarters near the college to serve as a hub for mentorship, education, career exploration, and student wellness.

Mission Statement

Guided Futures is a transformative mentorship program dedicated to empowering youth and students with the tools, experiences, and support they need to excel as potential college and trade scholars. Our mission is rooted in the belief that exposing young people to diverse opportunities enables them to uncover hidden talents, discover their purpose, and gain the confidence needed to overcome challenges. Through meaningful mentorship and hands-on engagement, we guide students to break through barriers, achieve their potential, and contribute positively to their communities.

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Vision Statement

Guided Futures envisions a world where every student has the support and resources to overcome systemic barriers, explore their passions, and thrive academically and professionally. Through mentorship, scholarships, wellness initiatives, and transformative experiences, we aim to create a cycle of inspiration and achievement that uplifts entire communities.

Program Goals

  1. Establish a mentorship program pairing students with recent graduates and professionals in trades.
  2. Offer career-aligned opportunities, internships, and work-study jobs for juniors and seniors.
  3. Create a central headquarters to serve as a hub for mentorship, education, skill-building, and wellness programs.
  4. Address systemic challenges in underserved schools in Jamaica, Queens, and Far Rockaway by improving academic performance and increasing college enrollment rates.
  5. Expose students to diverse career opportunities through site visits to industry-leading organizations.
  6. Equip students with life skills, financial literacy, and wellness knowledge to create well-rounded, successful individuals.
  7. Long-Term Goal: Provide scholarships to cover tuition, stipends, and dorm accommodations for students at York College to alleviate financial burdens and ensure academic success.

Educational Challenges in Target Communities

Jamaica Queens, has several feeder schools near York College that face challenges in graduation rates and academic performance:
  • Graduation Rates: Average graduation rates range between 70% and 75%, below the New York State average of 88%.
  • Math Proficiency: Feeder schools report an average math proficiency of 28%, compared to the state average of 67%.
  • Reading Proficiency: Reading proficiency averages 45%, lower than the state average of 59%.

Far Rockaway schools are similarly struggling:

  • Graduation Rates: The average graduation rate in Far Rockaway is 72%, below the state average.
  • Math Proficiency: Far Rockaway high schools report an average math proficiency score of 25%.
  • Reading Proficiency: Reading proficiency in Far Rockaway averages 42%.

Dropout Rates and College Enrollment Across both areas:

  • Dropout rates are higher than city averages.
  • College and trade school enrollment rates are disproportionately low due to a lack of guidance and resources.

These statistics demonstrate the urgent need for Guided Futures to intervene and provide a pathway for academic, professional, and personal success.

Services and Programs

Guided Futures offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to holistically support students in Jamaica, Queens, and Far Rockaway.
1. Mentorship Program

  • One-on-one mentorship sessions tailored to individual student needs.
  • Regular progress monitoring and goal-setting.
  • Collaboration with York College and local organizations for internships and shadowing opportunities.

    2. Skill-Building Workshops
  • Financial literacy sessions (investments, savings, financial planning).
  • Career-specific training in fields like music production, robotics, coding, and entrepreneurship.
  • Vocational skills, such as barbering, fashion design, and construction management.

3. Wellness Initiatives

  • Mental Health Support: Regular sessions on stress management, emotional well-being, and resilience-building, with licensed counselors and professionals.
  • Hygiene Education: Workshops on personal hygiene, self-care, and healthy living practices.
  • Drug Prevention: Educational seminars on substance abuse prevention and making informed choices.

4. Experiential Learning

  • Visits to organizations like Netflix, NBA, Google, Spotify, and YouTube.
  • Tours of professional environments in creative industries, technology, and healthcare.
  • Internship and shadowing opportunities in students’ fields of interest.

5. Community Support

  • GED preparation and tutoring for students needing additional academic assistance.
  • Vision board creation and career planning to inspire long-term goal setting.
  • Recreational spaces for personal growth and inspiration.

6. Long-Term Goal: Scholarships

  • Provide scholarships to cover tuition costs for York College students.
  • Offer stipends to alleviate financial pressures.
  • Include dorm accommodations at Monarch Apartments to reduce commuting challenges.

Partnerships

York College: A Key Collaborator York College will play a pivotal role in the success of Guided Futures by serving as an integral partner in mentorship, education, and career development. This partnership will maximize the resources and opportunities available to students.

Key Aspects of the Partnership:

  1. Internships and Career Development:
    • Collaborate with faculty and staff to create internship opportunities.
    • Organize career development workshops, resume-building sessions, and mock interviews.
    • Connect juniors and seniors with real-world work experiences through York College’s established network.
  2. Access to Facilities:
    • Guided Futures will utilize York College’s state-of-the-art facilities, including music production rooms, video production studios, science labs, aviation simulators, and more.
    • York College will host tours to expose students to various academic majors and career paths.
  3. Hub for Mentorship and Meetings:
    • York College will serve as a meeting hub for after-school and weekend program sessions.
    • Facilities will be used for workshops, seminars, and collaborative projects.
  4. Early College Exposure:
    • Programs led by faculty, alumni, or industry professionals to introduce students to college-level academics and career possibilities.
  5. Work-Study Opportunities:
    • Year-round work-study opportunities aligned with students’ career interests.
  6. Community Engagement:
    • Host community events like open houses, career fairs, and financial aid workshops.

Additional Partnerships

Local Organizations: Collaborate with feeder schools, churches, and nonprofits for recruitment and resources.

Corporate Sponsors: Engage companies like YouTube, Netflix, and Tesla for site visits and internships.

Community Groups: Work with youth groups and nonprofits to expand outreach.