Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Emily Griffith Foundation
Legal Name (if Different): Emily Griffith Foundation, Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1860 Lincoln Street Suite 605
City: Denver
State: CO
Postal Code: 80203
Main Phone: 720-523-9222
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.egfoundation.org
Employer ID Number: 84-1169001
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/22/2024
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: Supporting youth in Career and Technical Concurrent Enrollment programs
Project Description:

Emily Griffith Foundation provides educational and charitable funding for the support of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and programs of Emily Griffith Technical College (EGTC), whose mission is to prepare students for today’s workforce and tomorrow’s opportunities. EGTC offers a multitude of workforce training programs including 19 Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificate programs. The students EGTC serves represent populations with the greatest opportunity for economic mobility: 67% are considered low-to-moderate income, 81% are BIPoC, and 43% are first-generation college students.

EGTC serves more than 350 area high school students annually through Concurrent Enrollment, which allows students to earn credits and learn valuable career skills while still in high school. Some students’ school districts cover tuition for Concurrent Enrollment; however, these students must pay for their own transportation, books, materials, student fees, and exam/licensure fees. As many students come from historically underserved populations, and many hold jobs outside of school to help support their families, having to pay additional educational costs can be a significant financial barrier for many. In addition, school districts only cover the cost of college tuition while the student is still enrolled in high school, so if an individual does not complete their CTE program while still enrolled in high school, they must cover the gap in tuition and often are less likely to complete their certification. Students enrolled in Health Sciences programs are required to be 18 years old to complete their clinical rotations, so many are unable to complete these program requirements while still enrolled in high school.

Total Project Budget: 50,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Emily Griffith Opportunity Endowment, LARRK Foundation, Connie Burwell & William White Foundation

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Denver-Metro (Colorado)
Age Group To Be Served: 17-20

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Lindsay
Contact Last Name: Sandham
Contact Title: Grants & Communications Manager
Contact Phone: 7205239222
Contact Email: lsandham@egfoundation.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Baton Rouge Youth Coalition, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: BRYC
Mailing Address: 460 N 11th Street
City: Baton Rouge
State: LA
Postal Code: 70802
Main Phone: 2254565752
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: thebryc.org
Employer ID Number: 26-2477597
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 22, 2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: BRYC’s College Mentor Program
Project Description:

It’s a common misconception that all students who perform well academically will attain college success. This assumption ignores or underestimates resource gaps that cause 89 percent of lower-income students nationally to drop out of college. Those who do persist carry $59,730 student debt on average. A systemic lack of academic, financial, and personal support during the college application process leaves high-achieving, under-resourced students in Baton Rouge unable to access affordable higher education and become leaders and innovators for Louisiana.

BRYC was founded in 2009 when two high school teachers realized even their brightest students would struggle to realize college success due to a dearth of resources. Today, we provide best-in-class college preparatory services — for free — to over 300 teen “Fellows,” preparing them to enter, persist in, and graduate from college. Closing out our 15th year, BRYC’s 667 alumni have collectively earned $85.11 million in scholarships and boast an 82% persistence rate – five times the national average for lower-income students.

BRYC humbly requests $10,000 from the Hermanowski Foundation to support our College Mentor Program, which continuously delivers impressive results. Our 14th class (2023) received 505 college acceptances and $9.45 million in gift aid. One-hundred percent are enrolled in college; 70 percent with less than $5,500 of debt/year. We ask the Hermanowski Foundation to support this program because, quite simply, it works.

BRYC’s 100 Class of 2025 Senior Fellows will receive:
–1:2 support from dedicated BRYC College Counselors and trained College Mentors
–Robust essay coaching
–College tours/preview visits
–Family financial aid counseling
–Min. $250 direct financial assistance

Senior Fellows focus on submitting the FAFSA; writing and submitting applications; applying for scholarships; and choosing a best-fit school. They cap off senior year with “College 101,” BRYC’s eight-week course focused on the transition to college life.

Total Project Budget: $365,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): – Unum, $35,000, potential – Baton Rouge Alliance for Students, $20,000, committed – Entergy Corporation, $10,000, potential – Rotary Club of Baton Rouge Foundation: $10,000, committed – Papa John’s Foundation, $5,000, committed – Junior League of Baton Rouge: $2,500, committed

Project Duration: January 2025 – August 2025
Geographical Area Served: Greater Baton Rouge Area, Louisiana
Age Group To Be Served: 14-18 years

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Elin
Contact Last Name: Hawkinson
Contact Title: Director of Communications and Development
Contact Phone: 917-209-7094
Contact Email: elin@thebryc.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: BRIGHT BEGINNINGS INC
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: BBI
Mailing Address: 3418 4th St SE
City: Washington
State: DC
Postal Code: 20032
Main Phone: (202) 842-9090
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.bbidc.org/
Employer ID Number: 52-1697917
Organization Tax Status: 501( c) 3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/22/2024
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: Health & Therapeutic Services for Children in Wards 7 & 8
Project Description:

Bright Beginnings respectfully requests a grant of 10,000 from The Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation to support our Health and Therapeutic Services Program, which serves up to 308 children and their parents who are experiencing housing instability and financial hardship. Under this program, all children receive free in-house developmental screening within 45 days of enrollment and vision, dental, and hearing screenings throughout the school year. Following health screenings, each family is assigned a CARE Team – a multi-disciplinary cohort providing coordinated services and resources tailored to their needs. Our CARE Teams encompass all aspects of a family’s well-being.  

In addition to routine center-based and home-based health and therapeutic services, we now incorporate behavioral health interventions. In FY23, we launched a new screening period to track progress and identify students needing additional services. The ASQ, ASQ-SE and Brigance screening results, combined with teacher consultation and classroom observation, have helped us identify students with additional need for services and inform strategies to support them. Our Child and Family Support Specialist conducts classroom observations, providing tools and strategies to support overall behavior, enhance trauma-informed care practices, and build social-emotional wellness skills. We create psychological safety through consistent routines, calm transitions, clearly posted expectations, and positive discipline. We teach children to express emotions healthily through techniques like deep breathing.

In FY24, our goal is to continue investing in early screening, therapy, and family empowerment strategies to help break cycles of trauma and build a strong foundation for lifelong achievement. Our dedicated staff will collaborate with teachers to develop individualized plans and implement evidence-based techniques, ensuring every child receives the necessary guidance and support to thrive academically and personally.

Total Project Budget: $970,744

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: Autism Speaks $5000, Alexander and Margaret Stewart Trust $125,000, David and Leighan Rinker Foundation $20,000 / Potential: Lichtenberg Family Foundation $50,000, Qlarant Foundation $25,000, Ginn Foundation $7500

Project Duration: Ongoing
Geographical Area Served: Washington DC
Age Group To Be Served: 0-5 Ages

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Rebecca
Contact Last Name: Rorke
Contact Title: Director of Development
Contact Phone: 2028682495
Contact Email: hyamir@bbidc.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Girl Scouts of Nassau County
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 110 Ring Road West
City: Garden City
State: New York
Postal Code: 11530
Main Phone: 516-741-2550
Main Fax: 516-741-2207
Organization Website: https://www.gsnc.org/
Employer ID Number: 11-2041443
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c) (3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/22/2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Summer Camp Support for Low-Income Families
Project Description:

Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s (GSNC) Camp Blue Bay, located in East Hampton, NY, is a truly special summer camp experience. Camp Blue Bay offers campers a world-class outdoor experience including swimming, canoeing, survival skills, archery, STEM programming, various sports, arts, and so much more. Camp is an incredible opportunity for our Girl Scout campers to break away of their regular interests and truly explore something completely foreign to them. Year after year we hear parents say that their child ‘found her people’ or ‘broke out of her shell’ because of the brand-new experiences at camp. We often hear from past campers that their experiences in camp changed their life.

Studies have shown that Camp increases leadership, communication, and citizenship skills (American Camp Association for more information). We believe this experience should be open to all girls, no matter the financial situation of their family. To this effect, GSNC works to facilitate scholarship and financial aid for all girls who have the desire to attend but could not otherwise afford to do so.

The Girl Scout Camp experience is more important than ever for the mental and physical health of the girls we serve. In response to the recent CDC report on mental health and teen girls (See NPR article here and CDC report here), GSNC is committed to providing a camp experience that incorporates mental health strategies such as resiliency training, mental health awareness, self-esteem, and anti-bullying into our day-to-day camp experiences. Camp Blue Bay is a welcoming, safe space, that creates community by helping girls think, speak, and act in ways that ensure everyone at Camp Blue Bay feels like they belong, and can meaningfully participate in all aspects of Girl Scouting, regardless of ability, age, culture, education, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

GSNC is requesting $10,000 to fund camp scholarships. Our goal is to send approximately 30 girls from low-income families for a week to Camp Blue Bay. The cost to attend a one-week camp is approximately $800.00 per girl.

Total Project Budget: $24,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): GSNC maintains a need-based scholarship fund for all our programs throughout the year funded by past donations.

Project Duration: July 7th, 2025 – August 15th, 2025
Geographical Area Served: Nassau County, New York
Age Group To Be Served: 3-11

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Nicole
Contact Last Name: Lostritto
Contact Title: Grants Manager
Contact Phone: 516-741-2550
Contact Email: lostritton@gsnc.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Music Will
Legal Name (if Different): Little Kids Rock, Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 43369
City: Montclair
State: New Jersey
Postal Code: 07043-0369
Main Phone: 973-746-8248
Main Fax: 973-746-8240
Organization Website: www.musicwill.org
Employer ID Number: 943396568
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 22, 2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Modern Band Minneapolis 2024-2025
Project Description:

Music Will is honored to introduce our Minneapolis Modern Band program to the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation. The requested grant of $10,000 will help us expand access to inclusive music education through Minneapolis-focused programming which will provide popular music education to as many as 4,200 students during the 2024-2025 school year.

Founded in 2002, Music Will now serves 507,000 students across the US with student-centered, culturally responsive music education through the efforts of 2,385 Music Will teachers. By removing traditional barriers, we bring access to music-making to schools and students who may not have it, especially those in historically marginalized communities. We presently have a network of 18 teachers in Minnesota who have been trained at our national workshops and currently bring modern band to approximately 4,400 students statewide.

During the 2024-2025 school year, Music Will is partnering with Minneapolis Public Schools and other Minneapolis area school districts to launch our sustainable modern band program by identifying and hosting a cohort of at least 20 Minneapolis educators to train through our Modern Band 101 introductory workshop. This six-hour training in a classroom setting gives teachers hands-on experience in our method which emphasizes skills such as approximation and collaboration for immediate success on contemporary instruments. With ongoing support from our Teacher Services team, regularly updated curricular resources, continued professional development opportunities, and access to a supportive network of modern band educators, Music Will helps set our teachers up for success after their first training. This workshop has the potential to almost double our student impact, growing our reach to approximately 8,600 students across Minnesota.

Total Project Budget: $40,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): To support the success and sustainability of this project, Music Will is looking to establish a funding base in Minneapolis by building relationships with organizations like the Hermanowski Family Foundation. Other prospective funders include: Bush Foundation Partnership Fund (Potential) Elizabeth C. Quinlan Foundation (Potential) George Family Foundation (Potential) The Mortensen Family Foundation (Potential) James B. Linsmayer Foundation (Potential) Individual Donors

Project Duration: July 1, 2024- June 30, 2025
Geographical Area Served: Minneapolis
Age Group To Be Served: K-12

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Krista
Contact Last Name: Shorf-Guffin
Contact Title: Senior Coordinator, Institutional Giving
Contact Phone: 973-746-8248 x110
Contact Email: krista.shorf-guffin@musicwill.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Joining Our Resources, Driving Awareness Nationwide (JORDAN)
Legal Name (if Different): Joining Our Resources, Driving Awareness Nationwide Inc.
Also Known As: Joining Our Resources, Driving Awareness Nationwide (JORDAN)
Mailing Address: jordan.22.forever@gmail.com
City: Sacramento
State: California
Postal Code: 95835
Main Phone: 916-562-DOVE
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: JORDANinc.org
Employer ID Number: 99-0978766
Organization Tax Status: 501 c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 22, 2024
Requested Amount: $ 10,000

Project Title: JORDAN: Empowering Mental Health Through Awareness, Support, and Positive Change
Project Description:

Joining Our Resources, Driving Awareness Nationwide (JORDAN) is dedicated to transforming the landscape of mental health through comprehensive awareness, support, and advocacy initiatives. Founded in 2024 by Shara Gabaldon, JORDAN emerged from a deeply personal journey of loss and determination to honor her son, Jordan, who battled schizophrenia.

Our project focuses on empowering individuals and communities to prioritize mental well-being, combat stigma, and access vital support services. Through a multifaceted approach, JORDAN aims to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and enact positive change at local, national, and global levels.

Key components of our project include expanded community workshops, enhanced school outreach programs, an online resource hub, mental health first aid training, and advocacy for policy reforms. These initiatives aim to address the diverse needs of individuals across demographics, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.

Through strategic partnerships, leveraging technology, and harnessing the power of peer support, JORDAN seeks to create a culture where mental health is universally recognized and supported. Our project is not just about providing resources; it’s about instilling hope, resilience, and empowerment in those affected by mental illness.

Together, we can build a brighter future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their mental health journey.

Total Project Budget: $ 10,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential):

Project Duration: Annual
Geographical Area Served: Joining Our Resources, Driving Awareness Nationwide (JORDAN) serves a diverse range of individuals across various demographics who are impacted by mental health challenges. Our target population includes: Socioeconomic Background: Individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds, including low-income, middle-income, and high-income families. Ethnicity: Our services are inclusive and accessible to individuals of all ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. Geographical Location: We serve communities nationwide, both urban and rural, ensuring accessibility to mental health resources regardless of location.
Age Group To Be Served: Adolescents, young adults, adults, and seniors.

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Shara
Contact Last Name: Gabaldon
Contact Title: Founder and CEO
Contact Phone: 916-475-8079
Contact Email: sharagabaldon@gmail.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: theAcademy365 Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 533
City: East Orange
State: NJ
Postal Code: 07018
Main Phone: 9734154505
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.theacademy365.org
Employer ID Number: 83-4467016
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 21, 2024
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Project MANHOOD
Project Description:

theAcademy365 Inc. is requesting $10,000.00 in funding from the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Foundation to assist with the implementation of four (4) summits that are held as part of Project MANHOOD. Project MANHOOD contributes to the health and well-being of teens and families in the Northern New Jersey area through the implementation sexual risk avoidance education. Project MANHOOD is an innovative, community-based program dedicated to educating black and brown boys in the underserved, northern region of New Jersey about sexual risk avoidance. The foundation for the program is the use of open, honest discussions about the importance of cultivating healthy relationships. The program works to create a safe, inclusive space through which participants may engage in medically accurate conversations about topics that are often considered taboo. These topics include sexual risk avoidance, consent, setting healthy boundaries, healthy relationships, emotional well-being, and personal responsibility. The program ultimately aims to empower young black and brown boys to make healthy, informed decisions. Project MANHOOD uses a community approach to develop support networks for adolescent BIPOC boys by valuing cultural sensitivity and encouraging personal growth. Our ultimate goal is to equip black and brown boys with the knowledge and skills necessary for a healthy and fulfilling life. Currently, it is well received in the community impacting an average of 500 adolescents each year.
The curriculum, Love Notes (LN), developed by the Dibble Institute (DI), covers various topics, including consent, sexual health, responsible decision-making, healthy relationships, and the importance of personal responsibility. The curriculum is appropriate for adolescent BIPOC boys between ages 12 and 18. It is culturally sensitive and relevant to the experiences of black and brown boys. The program involves four annual summits divided into one session per quarter to achieve consistent engagement and provide ongoing monthly support.

Total Project Budget: $20,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Donations, High Ticket Fundraising

Project Duration: 1 Year
Geographical Area Served: Northern New Jersey
Age Group To Be Served: 12-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Dr.
Contact First Name: RB
Contact Last Name: Alverna
Contact Title: President/CEO
Contact Phone: 973-415-4505
Contact Email: rb@theacademy365.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: theAcademy365 Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 533
City: East Orange
State: NJ
Postal Code: 07018
Main Phone: 9734154505
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.theacademy365.org
Employer ID Number: 83-4467016
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 21, 2024
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Project MANHOOD
Project Description:

theAcademy365 Inc. is requesting $10,000.00 in funding from the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Foundation to assist with the implementation of four (4) summits that are held as part of Project MANHOOD. Project MANHOOD contributes to the health and well-being of teens and families in the Northern New Jersey area through the implementation sexual risk avoidance education. Project MANHOOD is an innovative, community-based program dedicated to educating black and brown boys in the underserved, northern region of New Jersey about sexual risk avoidance. The foundation for the program is the use of open, honest discussions about the importance of cultivating healthy relationships. The program works to create a safe, inclusive space through which participants may engage in medically accurate conversations about topics that are often considered taboo. These topics include sexual risk avoidance, consent, setting healthy boundaries, healthy relationships, emotional well-being, and personal responsibility. The program ultimately aims to empower young black and brown boys to make healthy, informed decisions. Project MANHOOD uses a community approach to develop support networks for adolescent BIPOC boys by valuing cultural sensitivity and encouraging personal growth. Our ultimate goal is to equip black and brown boys with the knowledge and skills necessary for a healthy and fulfilling life. Currently, it is well received in the community impacting an average of 500 adolescents each year.
The curriculum, Love Notes (LN), developed by the Dibble Institute (DI), covers various topics, including consent, sexual health, responsible decision-making, healthy relationships, and the importance of personal responsibility. The curriculum is appropriate for adolescent BIPOC boys between ages 12 and 18. It is culturally sensitive and relevant to the experiences of black and brown boys. The program involves four annual summits divided into one session per quarter to achieve consistent engagement and provide ongoing monthly support.

Total Project Budget: $20,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Donations, High Ticket Fundraising

Project Duration: 1 Year
Geographical Area Served: Northern New Jersey
Age Group To Be Served: 12-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Dr.
Contact First Name: RB
Contact Last Name: Alverna
Contact Title: President/CEO
Contact Phone: 973-415-4505
Contact Email: rb@theacademy365.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: theAcademy365 Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 533
City: East Orange
State: NJ
Postal Code: 07018
Main Phone: 9734154505
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.theacademy365.org
Employer ID Number: 83-4467016
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 21, 2024
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Project MANHOOD
Project Description:

theAcademy365 Inc. is requesting $10,000.00 in funding from the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Foundation to assist with the implementation of four (4) summits that are held as part of Project MANHOOD. Project MANHOOD contributes to the health and well-being of teens and families in the Northern New Jersey area through the implementation sexual risk avoidance education. Project MANHOOD is an innovative, community-based program dedicated to educating black and brown boys in the underserved, northern region of New Jersey about sexual risk avoidance. The foundation for the program is the use of open, honest discussions about the importance of cultivating healthy relationships. The program works to create a safe, inclusive space through which participants may engage in medically accurate conversations about topics that are often considered taboo. These topics include sexual risk avoidance, consent, setting healthy boundaries, healthy relationships, emotional well-being, and personal responsibility. The program ultimately aims to empower young black and brown boys to make healthy, informed decisions. Project MANHOOD uses a community approach to develop support networks for adolescent BIPOC boys by valuing cultural sensitivity and encouraging personal growth. Our ultimate goal is to equip black and brown boys with the knowledge and skills necessary for a healthy and fulfilling life. Currently, it is well received in the community impacting an average of 500 adolescents each year.
The curriculum, Love Notes (LN), developed by the Dibble Institute (DI), covers various topics, including consent, sexual health, responsible decision-making, healthy relationships, and the importance of personal responsibility. The curriculum is appropriate for adolescent BIPOC boys between ages 12 and 18. It is culturally sensitive and relevant to the experiences of black and brown boys. The program involves four annual summits divided into one session per quarter to achieve consistent engagement and provide ongoing monthly support.

Total Project Budget: $20,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Donations, High Ticket Fundraising

Project Duration: 1 Year
Geographical Area Served: Northern New Jersey
Age Group To Be Served: 12-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Dr.
Contact First Name: RB
Contact Last Name: Alverna
Contact Title: President/CEO
Contact Phone: 973-415-4505
Contact Email: rb@theacademy365.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Minnesota Urban Debate League, a program of Augsburg University
Legal Name (if Different): Augsburg University
Also Known As: Minnesota Urban Debate League
Mailing Address: 2211 Riverside Ave CB 26
City: Minneapolis
State: Minnesota
Postal Code: 55454
Main Phone: (612) 330 – 1730
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: https://mnudl.augsburg.edu/
Employer ID Number: 41-0694721
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/21/24
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Empowering Middle School Youth Through Urban Debate
Project Description:

The Minnesota Urban Debate League (MNUDL), a program of Augsburg University, provides more than 1,300 students in urban schools access to debate. With a core belief that debate is for everyone, we offer six tailored programs, including Middle School Debate.

Our middle school debate program, the sole nonprofit providing debate to middle schoolers in the Twin Cities, benefits 600+ students. Next season’s Mars colonization topic will expose students to complex subjects like ethics, climate change, and international relations. Students master advanced material through scaffolded curriculum tailored for kids reading below grade level and English Language Learners. While learning debate, participants develop crucial skills like critical thinking, argumentation, and reading comprehension within a supportive community of dedicated coaches, motivated peers, and caring volunteers. Debaters are intrinsically motivated to learn thanks to fun competitions, a space to achieve personal goals and represent their schools with pride.

These efforts yield significant academic outcomes:

• MPS evaluation shows after one year of debating, participants increased MCA reading scores by 12-14% (controlling for race, income, and previous academic performance.)
• While only 30% of MPS enrolled peers meet attendance requirements, 96% of debaters do
• Results reflect other urban debate leagues, including Baltimore (Shackleford, 2019), Boston (Schueler & Larned, 2023), and Houston (Ko & Mezuk, 2021)

Starting students early in debate sets them up for success in school, college, their careers, and beyond.

A $10,000 investment covers expenses like food ($5,000) and stipends for ten high school assistant coaches ($500 each). Unlike standard debate models, we provide meals and snacks, eliminating financial barriers to participation. Stipends for high schoolers foster youth leadership skills, enhance team dynamics, and strengthen connections between middle and high school debate teams.

Middle school is pivotal for each student’s academic trajectory. With your support, we’ll empower more students with the tools to succeed.

Total Project Budget: $101,500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): McNeely Foundation ($15,000 for East Saint Paul students); Carlson Family Foundation (partial application of $30,000 grant); Otto Bremer Trust ($40,000 proposed); Minnesota Space Grant Consortium ($5,000 proposed); University of Minnesota Liberal Arts Hub Residency ($15,000 proposed); Ronald W. Burkle Foundation ($10,000 proposed); SAP Community Foundation ($2,500 proposed); Northeast Minneapolis Lions Club ($2,500 proposed); Lillian Wright & C. Emil Berglund Foundation ($2,000 received); Mortenson Family Foundation ($20,000 proposed); and the following federal and school district contracts are secured:Americorps Volunteer Capacity Grant: $137,000.00 (partial funds used to recruit volunteer judges and pay for volunteer staff time); Minneapolis Public Schools: $170,000.00 (partially used to fund middle schools) St. Paul Public Schools: $112,000.00 (partially used to fund middle school); North St. Paul District: $30,000.00 (secured, partially used to fund middle school); St. Louis Park School District: $11,500.00 ($7,500 for middle school); Centennial School District: $5,500.00 (all middle school); Charter & Ind. Schools: $7,500.00

Project Duration: October 2025-March 2025
Geographical Area Served: Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area (21 schools in MPS, SPPS, District 622, St. Louis Park, and Centennial districts)
Age Group To Be Served: Middle school students (6th-8th grade)

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Rebecca
Contact Last Name: Froehlich
Contact Title: Development & Communications Manager
Contact Phone: 6056595024
Contact Email: froehlic@augsburg.edu