Resource Linkage and Coordination. What resources are provided to participants and their families by your proposed program? How does the program coordinate and link families and participants to these resources? The main resource we provide our learners is access to our EdTech, The Learning Marketplace. A one-year subscription is included with our custom program, and youth can continue to learn via our in-person and virtual Live Experiences that are scheduled monthly. Youth also gain access to our private slack channel where they can communicate, build and learn with close to 1k learners worldwide. As youth graduate from our program, they can start global online businesses via Youthful Savings Marketplace. There is no fee to get a business going, and we also provide capital to successful youth entrepreneurs through our Community Investment Fund. We believe in a hybrid teaching model that includes both in-personal live instruction and continuous virtual learning and building. We believe the most underserved communities deserve tech equity, and our tech-enabled learning ecosystem provides access to technology careers through experiential learning.
Resource Linkage and Coordination. What resources are provided to participants and their families by your proposed program? How does the program coordinate and link families and participants to these resources? Our organization is modeled after revolutionary movements like the Black Panthers, whose aim was to provide wraparound support services while also providing education. Those wraparound services include financial support for unexpected or one-time expenses (like a new pair of shoes, a driver’s permit, or varsity letter patches) and advocacy support to help participants and their families navigate the health system, justice system, housing, and education systems in Dane County. Parents who attend the Saturday sessions will also be eligible to receive a $50 stipend for each week they attend (delivered via check or CashApp). We can provide that kind of support because we’ve been advocating for and providing support services to Black folks in Madison and Dane County for the last decade. During that time, we’ve developed extensive social capital, earned the trust of our community, and built deep relationships with institutions in Madison. We’re able to meet folks where they’re at, connect them to available resources, and empower them to change their circumstances.
Resource Linkage and Coordination. What resources are provided to participants and their families by your proposed program? How does the program coordinate and link families and participants to these resources? Our HERSpace: Sisterhood Soiree program is committed to offering a holistic range of resources and support to our participants and their families. Recognizing the importance of a comprehensive approach, we provide both direct resources and connections to external services. Directly, our program offers bi-weekly sessions covering a range of key topics such as self-esteem, personal development, and professional excellence. These are designed to empower our participants with knowledge and skills for personal growth and economic advancement. We also offer workshops for families, focusing on strengthening family relationships and supporting their loved ones in the program. Externally, we are well-connected within the community and can refer families to various support services, including mental health counseling, housing assistance, healthcare resources, and employment support. We have established partnerships with local organizations and agencies to ensure that we are able to provide the most relevant and effective referrals. To ensure that these resources are easily accessible, we work closely with families to overcome any potential barriers. This includes flexible scheduling, providing childcare during our sessions, and offering stipends to compensate for lost earnings when attending our events. Our coordination approach is proactive and personalized. We maintain regular contact with families and provide individual consultations to identify their needs and connect them with the appropriate resources. Throughout this process, we emphasize open communication and active involvement from families, ensuring that they feel supported and empowered in helping their loved ones thrive.
