We’re About Choices & Options that we view as “Bridges”
We believe that options for many of our youth are limited. Some have no options based on the challenges they are presented. Our efforts will prepare the next century of youth by expanding their minds and opening doors (normally not available or viable options in terms of exposure not to mention pursuit in terms of a career or profession). Our positioning, challenging and developing youth in these areas will allow them to become the benefactors of successful careers, and often will include linkages directly with Corporations and industries for which they are trained. The specific training and awareness in conjunction with the academic studies & athletic components will command their focus while re-directing and positively challenging them. These programs and processes will allow them to experience first hand personal development, transformation of confidence and accountability, all of which will paint a new picture in terms of options--options that they have often heard about, but never in a position to experience.
All of our bridges are designed to target youth at the 5th grade level through high school. It is our belief that there are some fundamental needs in terms of preparation for those entering middle school and beyond in high school and college. Often those areas are not addressed, resulting in our youth being ill prepared for those levels and beyond.
We also from time to time become involved in referrals from schools and other means where we are called to assist with youth who have already become involved in these negative cycles and institutions, who have the necessary focus and support to become a part of these litany of programs.
One thing that makes our organization unique is the fact that it will include the involvement of youth – thus for youth and by youth. Every aspect of this business will have a youth involved so that they learn all areas and keep us grounded as to what we might be missing without the background from our youth. Therefore, from this organization, they will gain first hand knowledge of how the value and involvement from a Board of Directors, the mission and processes to measure our successes, how to blend, build synergies and create linkages to the business community. This will in many ways prepare them for a better future of options.
We look at our Bridge programs in terms of levels.
First Level Bridge Components will include specifics that included with the foundation of the individual as referenced in our mission statement. It will include such things as:
Second Level Bridge Components will include and address the Entrepreneurial choices within the following industries. We create synergies with other organizations to ensure that our youth as position for success. To this end, we have partnered with for profit and nonprofit organizations to offer exposure in the following areas. A brief summary of how those program could help our youth is available via the links:
Third Level Bridge Components will pull in all together – put everything into perspective and deals with:
- Marketing Oneself
- Job Shadowing & OJT, Internships
- Leadership Development
- Youth Business/Marketing Products and Services
- Youth Finance/Investment
- Youth Community Activism & Politics
- We envision this area generating some form of communication to and within
the community via media, print, etc.
Who are candidates for “Bridges”
This unique leadership initiative as well as most program offerings are designed for youth ages 13-18; youth who are under-represented, underutilized, often viewed as “at risk” or “high risk” based on their ethnicity, minority status within their school districts; or youth with little to no exposure, guidance, instruction, leadership, support, options and/or opportunities. It also includes youth from single parent homes, and often youth who have been exposed to some level of criminal activity via family or friends; youth in foster homes or who reside in environments with no positive influences.
How do we reach candidates?
Youth who participate in programs are reached in various ways depending upon specific program criteria and requirements to ensure that they are positioned to successfully complete the program. Our youth may be church referrals, community organizations/affiliates, school counselors or administrators and other partner or agency collaborations. Youth for the Leadership program will require a screening process to assure that the commitments for the entire program can/ will be adhered to.
We engage services and expertise of experienced tutors, mentors, professionals, other non profits with specific expertise, and consultants to ensure the scope of our programs are met. Volunteers are a large part of our support structure and depending upon their specific expertise, they too might serve in a capacity referenced above. The one criteria that is not compromised is that our program affiliates, volunteers, staff must have the passion and commitment for helping the youth realize success, and most have been where these youth are.
Athletic
Not only is this a true draw for most youth, it is one that allows focus on the healthy side of what is being presented to our youth based on concerns and trends of obesity. We use this as a potential supplement for additional educational and training needs, but often as incentive to confirm & ensure the level of commitment to the other programs. We have partnerships that provide specific one on one training, coaching, athletic leagues and first hand experience and access to college scouts (for those youth who might have to rely on, or choose to rely on their athletic abilities as a means for furthering their education). We intend to get the real message across from those who have been there, did well and didn’t do so well – to share their stories of mistakes made and how to learn and prevent them.
Bike Riding/Racing – Dirt Bikes
Bike Riding/Racing – Sport Bikes
Bike Racing
We have introduced this based primarily on the fact that this is something that generally most youth enjoy doing, but were not aware of the amateur and career possibilities surrounding it. Our focus in offering this is two-fold, to broaden their aspirations in conjunction with such opportunities and to remind youth of the fact that it is a sport that requires a tremendous amount of preparation, respect and personal diligence – and that there are consequences if not approached in this manner. Those consequences will serve as caution as they prepare to operate other vehicles.
This program is specifically designed for the older youth with a natural need and challenge related to speed as well as with aspirations of pursuing their bike riding as a career. This program includes elements of self conditioning, safety, and how such a sport transcends all races, ages, and genders. It is and will continue to be a means for addressing business and world issues with strong potential as a career.
Communication/Forums
Next Century Youth, Inc., as a part of tying into the Community Giving Back aspect of our organization must include something regarding youth communication and sharing. We will work with youth in terms of addressing peer conflicts and are working towards some more formal means of addressing youth infractions (Future “Teen Court”). Youth learn by being involved and sharing their own perspective in terms of needs and way of improving matters relating to youth. This opportunity allows youth to share and learn from others in effort to offer positive solutions that youth will readily embrace.
Construction/Real Estate
The Construction Bridge provides teaching and instruction, including hands on training to all facets of construction. From masonry, plumbing, carpentry, dry wall, etc., you name it, and it will typically be covered within this program. We take this further, by creating collaborations and partnerships with various construction companies to provide training, internships and even scholarships to pursue careers in construction as well as have some knowledge of how to maintain personal homes/investments.
Media/Broadcast/Film
In a world where media, technology and video production is becoming the norm, and with communication and learning including these elements, this becomes a no brainer for inquisitive youth of today. This program will provide youth with a number of exposures and opportunities whether just as a solo entrepreneur, or in video production, development and film to Radio and TV, where they may ultimately aspire to work.
Technology
Technology is one that allows for our youth to not only become exposed to many facets of IT, but to put those exposures into practical experience. Our youth are given an opportunity to not only design and create web sites for small and middle-sized companies, but in the process secure scholarships for their continued educational interest in this area along with generating funds that support Next Century Youth, Inc. as well.
Other Next Century Youth Partnerships:
The 2006/2007 school year, NCY will be offering a "WebPreneur" Program at Waller Park in Roswell, Georgia. This program is sponsored by Fresh Grant initiative in which NCY will be teach youth how to create and build web sites, while sharing linkages between this program amd the youth's own academic career goals. We will address how their own perspectives, attitudes and contributions are tied to their successes. We will be providing specific training on computer usage and understanding; detailed instructions on web designs and how experience in this area can provide some level of economic value going forward.
Youth interested in this program can contact NCY via our web site or by contacting Waller Park. Classes will be offered on Thursday afternoons from 3-6 pm.
"Funding provided in part by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under guidance of the F.R.E.S.H. Program."
Roswell Parks and Recreation Department Partnership
Next Century Youth has offered a unique sports conditioning clinic for two years now via an established partnership with the Roswell Park and Recreation Department. We saw a real need for core strengthening, without the usage of free weights. Most athletic programs and trainers today offer similar programs, but what makes our program so different is that we've gone back to the basics. Both youth and parents of youth who have participated in our program keep asking for more. Our predecessors didn't have access to top notch training facilities nor utilized free weights. They did, however, see the real need to strengthen the core of their bodies in order to competitively compete with other athletes. We have put a program together to meet those needs and have exceeded the expectations of our participants. Our head trainer is Julian Barber who has played competitively in both high school and college and also has a desire to impact our youth's training in a positive way. Stay tuned to the Roswell Park and Recreation Brochure for upcoming programs year round.