Catholic Charities of Denver’s Post

Founded in 2004, Higher Heights Youth Empowerment Programs, Inc. is a state-wide college access organization that promotes equal access and opportunities for under-represented college bound student to obtain a post-secondary education in Connecticut.  Our goal is to increase college readiness, participation and completion in Connecticut among low-income students, first-generation college-going students and students of color.Each year HHYEP has had 100% high school graduation rate, 100% college acceptance rate, and 80% parent involvement rate. Higher Heights has personally employed over 95 youth, 100% have graduated from high school, 95% have enrolled into college receiving over $10 million in scholarships and grants.  The mission of HHYEP is to change the lives of under-represented college bound students to EMPOWER, ENCOURAGE, and EQUIP them to obtain a post-secondary education. We’ve raised $3,000 so far and I am asking for you for support in Day 2 of The Great Give: https://lnkd.in/epBRpZ-t

Sigh. Billionaire who gives away 5% of his wealth instructs a student population of 40% first generation and 31% students of color to give away 50% of a $1,000 gift he gave to them during graduation. You know, as a lesson in philanthropy... The truth is people of color outpace their white counterparts in actual philanthropic participation without any "lessons" required. And when the giving of money declines among these groups it is largely about two things: lack of access to capital and lack of trust in institutions. Here's also what is different: what constitutes a commitment to philanthropy. African American volunteerism rates and actual charitable contributions are SKY HIGH compared to whites. Hispanics in a recent AARP study donated the most time (22 hours a month!) When time is our most precious gift to give, is that not worth counting? I bet these students could teach Robert Hale a thing or two. https://lnkd.in/eP7TmTnK

In nearly thirty years of working with inspiring leaders, iconic companies, brilliant teams, and complex challenges, I've learned a thing or two. And one of the most valuable lessons I've picked up along the way is the importance of giving more than you take. Believe me, this principle applies not only to your school days but also in the present moment, maybe more than ever. For those of you that have been through it, you know founding a nonprofit is no small task. It can get pretty messy, there's always a shortage of funds, volunteers and staff, and you're constantly seeking better ways to support your community. But at the core of it all is that beautiful, innate desire we humans have to make a difference and give back.  There are nearly two million nonprofits in the US alone, accounting for roughly 5.3% of the US's total GDP and 9.2% of all wages and salaries. Trillions of dollars in impact are felt across the world all stemming from the everyday actions of people doing good. When Susanne and I founded BPI, it was with the intention of helping young adults in our community that were falling through the cracks- underemployed, unskilled, lacking resources to build a future. It's a fact that a high school diploma alone is unfortunately not enough in today's job market. In fact, it's almost equivalent to dropping out. Can you believe that? About 90% of the jobs in our state require some form of post-secondary education, but not all of them require a four-year degree.   A university experience is not for everyone and is increasingly out of range for most families. Meanwhile, there are tens of thousands of good paying jobs waiting to be filled if only we can connect those students with both the training and employment opportunities available. At BPI, we decided to help accelerate the path to meaningful careers through CTE (career and technical education), by getting young adults into apprenticeships, paid training programs, and skilled trade certifications. On top of scholarships, we fund the nonprofits in our community that are working to eliminate the wide variety of barriers facing young adults including access to childcare, transportation, required tools and materials, and testing fees. Hitting just one of these obstacles can derail the entire future of a promising person.  We believe that everyone has a combination of time, talent, and treasure to give in making things a little better for our neighbors. I’m excited to be a small part of those two million US nonprofits. For those of you who are supporting that community, thank you. For those of you who have not yet taken the leap, will you join us?  www.bpicharity.org

Legacy scholarships provide peace to family members that a loved one's memory continues on – it cascades benefits to those fortunate enough to receive a monetary gift. Chair of our Trusts and Estates Practice Group, Tracy Adler Craig, discussed the multiple ways families can set up either a one-time gift or ongoing scholarship, and how being proactive can open up more opportunities in the Next Avenue article, “How to Leave a Legacy Scholarship.” Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eqdDa2sc #charitablegiving #estateplanning

Highlighting an opportunity to support the Boston Collegiate Charter School, a historic Boston school focused on preparing students from all backgrounds for college. Since their first graduating class in 2004, 100% of Boston Collegiate's diploma-earning seniors have been accepted to four-year colleges, and 75% have earned a degree or are persisting toward one. BCCS students achieve these high rates with the help of the Edward M. Kennedy Scholarship Fund, which supports graduates pursuing degrees by covering tuition and living expenses. Please consider supporting the Fund: 1) Purchase tickets to their upcoming fundraiser and enjoy a fun night with friend or family at local brewery 2) Make a tax-deductible donation to the fundraiser (personal, employer, or raffle item) 3) Share this post with your network https://lnkd.in/g-HNQsst

W.E.B. DuBois, the Legacy of HBCU Honors Colleges and Intellectual Excellence. DuBois, born in 1868, is a key figure in African American history. He was renowned as a historian, sociologist, historian and writer and notably remembered as a pioneer in civil rights who vigorously opposed racial discrimination.   In 1903, DuBois penned "The Talented Tenth," advocating for the empowerment of the top 10% of educated African Americans, encompassing intellectuals, professionals, and leaders. He believed this elite group could drive the broader community towards comprehensive advancement. While his ideas were criticized for potentially sidelining the majority's needs, the essay ignited crucial debates on education's role in racial equality.   Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have consistently championed African American education, especially during eras marred by racial segregation. HBCUs, such as Stillman College, offer Honors College programs tailored to provide exceptional students with an enhanced educational experience. The Harte Honors College of Stillman College, launched in 1998 by President Earnest McNealey, stands as a testament to this. The program faced challenges, particularly during the COVID pandemic, but under my leadership, it underwent a significant resurgence. The Harte Honors College's reinvigoration serves as an exemplar of nurturing African American intellectual prowess, leadership, and societal advancement. In my third year of leadership I am excited that the number of Honors College scholars has tripled.   Honors College students at HBCUs enjoy a plethora of benefits: a rigorous curriculum, specialized courses, expansive research opportunities, and an intellectually vibrant community. Beyond classroom education, they engage in impactful research, nationwide internships, community service, and leadership roles. Recently they won national accolades, and showcased their prowess in national academic competitions.   DuBois's "Talented Tenth" concept finds resonance in the ethos of HBCU Honors College programs. Both emphasize shaping a select group to influence and elevate the broader community. By bridging DuBois's vision with such programs, HBCUs pave the way for outstanding African American students to academically thrive and lead in diverse fields. In essence, institutions like Stillman's Harte Honors College underscore the importance of recognizing and nurturing African American potential. During this special end of year holiday season, we are blessed to receive a very generous gift from a wealthy family in Birmingham, AL.   A Call To Action I appeal to you to help raise matching funds this month. Your gifts of $1000, $500, $250 or the most generous gift you can afford will help us reach the goal and is tax deductible. You can mail a check to Stillman Harte Honors College or https://lnkd.in/eG_Y8rD9. In the donate tab specify the Harte Honors College as shown below: Designation: Harte Honors College

🌱 The Power of a Mustard Seed, ACE Scholarships, and the Significance of Father’s Day As we celebrate Father’s Day, I'm reminded of the incredible role fathers play in nurturing the dreams and aspirations of their children. Much like a mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds, can grow into the largest of garden plants, so too can a small act of generosity grow into a life-changing opportunity. At ACE Scholarships we believe in the transformative power of educational choice. Each scholarship we provide is like a tiny mustard seed, filled with the potential to flourish into something magnificent. These scholarships enable children to attend schools that best fit their needs, fostering environments where they can thrive academically and personally. Fathers are often the ones who plant these seeds of hope, encouraging their children to dream big and work hard. We've seen firsthand how these opportunities can change the trajectory of a child's life, turning dreams into realities. It’s a reminder that even the smallest contributions can have a profound impact when nurtured with care and dedication. This Father’s Day, let's honor the fathers who inspire, guide, and support their children’s educational journeys. By supporting ACE Scholarships you're not just funding an education; you're planting a seed of hope, growth, and endless possibilities for future generations. Together, let's continue to sow these seeds and witness the extraordinary gardens they become. https://lnkd.in/gbDtyC8x #FathersDay #EducationalChoice #ACEsScholarships #Inspiration #Hope #Growth #PlantingSeeds

More reporting on the potential clash btw anti-DEI activism and donor choice (and, at the root of it, charitable pluralism). https://lnkd.in/e3rq8KyQ

When I started using outdoor and experiential education as my primary approach to teaching high school I immediately saw the changes in my students' faces, their body language, and how they navigated and interacted with the world. I could see and sense in their interactions with the world the shift in what we now call 'mindset'. Back in the day, people would ask me how I knew that what I was doing with these teens would be effective, long-lasting, and have an impact. In short, they asked, "What is the evidence?" Back then, my stock response was to say "Ask me in 10 years, then we will know how they are doing and how we did." Here are two personal stories that demonstrate the power of outdoor education to change lives. Last week, I saw a post (linked below) about OBCA staff member Roger Lopez and the critical role he plays as a lead instructor for Outward Bound California. His life journey is inspirational and out on course he is a role model for his students. It is not a coincidence that Roger is an alum of Get Out and Learn (getoutandlearn.org), a high school experiential and outdoor education program in the SFUSD. His experiences in that program offered him the chance to go on Outward Bound, which turned the outdoors into a lifetime career and put him on the pathway toward becoming an outstanding OBCA staff member. Similarly, Belynda Ray is an alum of GOAPe, a predecessor program to GOAL. Her success in that program led her to become an OBCA Pinnacles scholar and a life-changing experience in the wilderness. Today, decades later, Roger and Belynda continue to pay it forward to the next generation. The partnership between OBCA and community organizations give youth like Belynda and Roger the opportunity to go on life-changing experiences with Outward Bound California. None of this is possible without the scholarships OBCA offers. IT IS individual donations that make what seems financially impossible, possible. Yes, it was a previous generation of generous donors like you who changed Roger and Belynda's lives. Tomorrow (May 8th), we rappel to support the next generation of Rogers and Belyndas. Please join us with your financial support. It's worth it. https://lnkd.in/gMVc-mTU Roger's Journey with OBCA https://lnkd.in/gT34Rb9V

Tell me your why. What is it that drives you forward or influences your decision to take a certain path? For College Possible students that drive is something really special. Their why is to realize their full potential despite the challenges and struggles they may encounter. Their why is to realize that they do belong on a college campus, they do have what it takes to earn a college degree, and their voices are the voices of our future. Thankfully, because of the generous support of our donors, it's a journey they do not have to make alone. College Possible coaches are there every step of the way, providing support and helping direct students to the resources they need to realize their dreams of earning a college degree. This year our friends at the Redhead Family Foundation issued a challenge that will match all gifts – dollar for dollar – up to $15,000 that are made by December 21st. I'd like to take a moment and share that the Redhead Family Foundation is just that. It's a family who long ago defined their why – their purpose and their desire to effect change. During a recent conversation with Cindy, who along with her husband Ken established the foundation, I learned that attending college and earning a degree was a transformational experience for both of them. "Being exposed to new ideas and ways of thinking changed the trajectory of our lives," Cindy shared. "Having a college degree opened doors to opportunities that provided a secure future as well as rewarding long-term careers." When asked why they chose to support College Possible – the answer was simple. They could relate to the challenges our students encounter today as the first in their families to attend college. And, they wanted to support those students' endeavors to create choice-filled futures. We are currently at $11,694 of our $15,000 challenge. If your why focuses on addressing equitable access to educational opportunities and supporting the efforts of committed and talented students, please consider making your gift today at https://lnkd.in/edWwHN4C Many thanks to the Redhead Family Foundation and to you for building a stronger community one degree at a time.