Hear two success stories from our incredible youth program:
This summer our students started their own micro businesses as part of our summer learning initiative. During this program sponsored by the United Way of Rhode Island, there was one student in particular that shined extra bright this summer. At the start of the program, Anthony was a shy and quiet kid coming out of sixth grade. He and his group decided they would start a fun brownie making business this summer. That was when Anthony really took off. Every week he took everything he learned and built into his micro business making each component better. From understanding his market, to budgeting supplies for maximum profit, Anthony used the lesson to improve his business. Quickly, Anthony became a leader among peers this summer and now applies the lessons he learned in business to his academics and is excelling in 7th grade. Congratulations to Anthony!
Two other students, Jose Arias and David Moya enrolled in our school-year program in 2015 with a particular interest in getting involved in a sport. Jose wanted to play baseball and David was all about MMA Fighting. However, they had no idea where to begin. They both also had an idea that they were not in the best shape they could be in. During their 7th grade year, we partnered with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Angel’s Program to offer strategic physical fitness options for our kids as part of regularly scheduled programming. David and Jose started going to the YMCA. The originally only wanted memberships to play basketball, but by the middle of the year, we encouraged them to start working out in the exercise room. Originally they were against it, but we continually told them the benefits that it would have in addition to playing basketball. Now, (in their 8th grade year) they both go everyday to play basketball and work-out in the exercise room. Jose has completed his first successful season in baseball. David has changed the sport that he wants to play to football, and, because of his training, is confident that he will make the football team in High School next year. Congratulations to Jose and David for making strides toward your goals!
