Business Plan

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Executive Summary

Guided Futures is a mentorship program dedicated to empowering students and young people by equipping them with the tools, experiences, and resources needed for academic, professional, and personal success. Through hands-on mentorship, career exploration, financial support, and wellness initiatives, the program fosters transformative growth and prepares participants for a bright future. Launching as a pilot program in Southeast Queens, Guided Futures will engage students from local feeder schools and underserved communities, addressing systemic educational and social challenges. The program offers mentorship, work-study opportunities, wellness sessions, and comprehensive skill-building programs. In the long term, Guided Futures aims to provide scholarships covering tuition, stipends, and housing while establishing a dedicated headquarters to serve as a hub for mentorship, education, career development, 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 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

A Key Collaborator 

Guided Futures will establish strong partnerships to support mentorship, education, and career development. These collaborations will maximize the resources and opportunities available to students.

Key Aspects of the Partnership:

1. Internships and Career Development:

• Collaborate with faculty and staff from various institutions and organizations to create internship opportunities.

• Organize career development workshops, resume-building sessions, and mock interviews.

• Connect juniors and seniors with real-world work experiences through established networks.

2. Access to Facilities:

• Guided Futures will utilize state-of-the-art facilities, including music production rooms, video production studios, science labs, aviation simulators, and more.

• Partner organizations will host tours to expose students to various academic majors and career paths.

3. Hub for Mentorship and Meetings:

• Guided Futures will establish meeting hubs 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 will introduce students to college-level academics and career possibilities.

5. Work-Study Opportunities:

• Year-round work-study opportunities aligned with students’ career interests will be provided through partnerships. 6. Community Engagement:

• Host community events like open houses, career fairs, and financial aid workshops in collaboration with local institutions and organizations. Additional Partnerships

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

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.