Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 7300 N Federal Highway, Suite 100
City: Boca Raton
State: FL
Postal Code: 33487
Main Phone: 5617523383
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: https://goldcoastdownsyndrome.org
Employer ID Number: 59-2350275
Organization Tax Status: Exempt

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 1/29/2025
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Educational Advocacy
Project Description:

Education creates opportunities for everyone to live a more meaningful life. Getting the best education for a child with Down syndrome comes with unique challenges. Those challenges can get in the way of ultimately having a job, living independently and giving back to the community. And these are challenges that are not just overcome once and done.
Every time a child with Down syndrome moves to a new school there are new administrators, new teachers, bigger campuses, different rules, and bigger expectations. Once transitioned into the new school, each year brings new teachers and paraprofessionals working with the child and a review of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals to be updated. The purpose of the Educational Advocacy Program is to protect the rights of the child under the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. The Educational Advocacy Program will guide parents in navigating the complexities of the system to secure the parent’s educational placement of choice for the child with each transition and new school year from preschool to high school graduation.

EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY for children with Down syndrome has been central to GCDSO’s mission for 45 years. The Educational Advocacy Program provides – at no cost – a professional advocate who has over 25 years of experience. GCDSO’s Advocate will arrange for school tours; conduct school observations; speak with special education contacts and school administrators; obtain placement approval; draft appropriate IEP goals; attend IEP meetings with parents; address IEP and curriculum modification non-compliance issues; and conduct classroom observations of the child to make behavior management suggestions. Classroom education prepares parents for the basics of the IEP at every stage and includes topics such as the IEP process; interpreting documents; least restrictive environment; behavior; effective home/school relationships; curriculum modifications and more.

GCDSO believes that every child with Down syndrome in Palm Beach County deserves to have a professional advocating for them regardless of financial status. While private educational advocates charge $150 – $300 per hour, GCDSO does not and never has charged our members for this service. The requested grant funds will be used to allow GCDSO to continue to do so. The demand is growing and with the proper funding we can meet this demand.

Anticipated Outcomes: 75 families will receive Educational Advocacy resulting in appropriate school placement decisions out of which 15 will be for Transitional Advocacy; 85% of children represented will secure Individual Education Plans (IEPs) with appropriate learning goals and services to meet their academic needs; 85% of children provided with advocacy services will be included in a general education classroom.

Total Project Budget: $34,262

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): The Batchelor Foundation Potential $6,400; Children’s Services Council Committed $12,000; Mirasol Foundation Potential $5,000; The Marino Family Charitable Foundation Potential $5,000

Project Duration: 1/1/2026 – 12/31/2026
Geographical Area Served: All of Palm Beach County
Age Group To Be Served: Ages 3 to 22

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Corinne
Contact Last Name: Pike
Contact Title: Director of Development
Contact Phone: 561-752-3383
Contact Email: goldcoastdsorg@att.net

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 7300 N Federal Highway, Suite 100
City: Boca Raton
State: FL
Postal Code: 33487
Main Phone: 5617523383
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: https://goldcoastdownsyndrome.org
Employer ID Number: 59-2350275
Organization Tax Status: Exempt

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 1/29/2025
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Educational Advocacy
Project Description:

Education creates opportunities for everyone to live a more meaningful life. Getting the best education for a child with Down syndrome comes with unique challenges. Those challenges can get in the way of ultimately having a job, living independently and giving back to the community. And these are challenges that are not just overcome once and done.
Every time a child with Down syndrome moves to a new school there are new administrators, new teachers, bigger campuses, different rules, and bigger expectations. Once transitioned into the new school, each year brings new teachers and paraprofessionals working with the child and a review of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals to be updated. The purpose of the Educational Advocacy Program is to protect the rights of the child under the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. The Educational Advocacy Program will guide parents in navigating the complexities of the system to secure the parent’s educational placement of choice for the child with each transition and new school year from preschool to high school graduation.

EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY for children with Down syndrome has been central to GCDSO’s mission for 45 years. The Educational Advocacy Program provides – at no cost – a professional advocate who has over 25 years of experience. GCDSO’s Advocate will arrange for school tours; conduct school observations; speak with special education contacts and school administrators; obtain placement approval; draft appropriate IEP goals; attend IEP meetings with parents; address IEP and curriculum modification non-compliance issues; and conduct classroom observations of the child to make behavior management suggestions. Classroom education prepares parents for the basics of the IEP at every stage and includes topics such as the IEP process; interpreting documents; least restrictive environment; behavior; effective home/school relationships; curriculum modifications and more.

GCDSO believes that every child with Down syndrome in Palm Beach County deserves to have a professional advocating for them regardless of financial status. While private educational advocates charge $150 – $300 per hour, GCDSO does not and never has charged our members for this service. The requested grant funds will be used to allow GCDSO to continue to do so. The demand is growing and with the proper funding we can meet this demand.

Anticipated Outcomes: 75 families will receive Educational Advocacy resulting in appropriate school placement decisions out of which 15 will be for Transitional Advocacy; 85% of children represented will secure Individual Education Plans (IEPs) with appropriate learning goals and services to meet their academic needs; 85% of children provided with advocacy services will be included in a general education classroom.

Total Project Budget: $34,262

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): The Batchelor Foundation Potential $6,400; Children’s Services Council Committed $12,000; Mirasol Foundation Potential $5,000; The Marino Family Charitable Foundation Potential $5,000

Project Duration: 1/1/2026 – 12/31/2026
Geographical Area Served: All of Palm Beach County
Age Group To Be Served: Ages 3 to 22

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name:
Contact Last Name:
Contact Title:
Contact Phone:
Contact Email:

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Lawrence Arts Center
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 940 New Hampshire St.
City: Lawrence
State: Kansas
Postal Code: 66044
Main Phone: 785.843.2787
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://lawrenceartscenter.org
Employer ID Number: 48-0825692
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: January 27, 2025
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Lawrence Arts Center Youth Art Education Financial Aid
Project Description:

The Lawrence Arts Center’s Financial Aid Fund ensures that access to the arts is sustaining; not an optional add-on but an essential facet of life. Post-pandemic, the last few years have demonstrated how vital arts programming is to our community’s physical, social and mental wellness. There has been an increase in demand for financial aid for children of all ages and backgrounds to take classes in year-long early education programs in arts based preschool, kindergarten, youth visual arts, dance and theater. These educational opportunities create meaningful social connections between students, provide avenues for professional development, and foster much needed outlets for self-expression. We provide partial and full financial aid funds to those who qualify under the federal criteria of the poverty level, very low income, and low income.

While cost of living expenses have greatly increased in the area due to a scarcity of affordable housing and rising costs for food and material goods, wages have not risen locally to meet those demands. Additionally, public funding from the City of Lawrence has decreased considerably in the last ten years. These factors have led to the Lawrence Arts Center having to support the elevated financial needs of our community through its operational budget, a practice which has become increasingly difficult in the rebounding non-profit economy. The organization is committed to finding support through private donations and impactful national funding opportunities such as the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation Grant, to accomplish this goal. Only by making innovative arts programming accessible to all students, regardless of income level, can the Lawrence Arts Center fulfill its mission that art is for everyone.

Total Project Budget: $60,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): $30,000 (committed) $20,000 (potential private donations)

Project Duration: 1 year (Jan. 1, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2027)
Geographical Area Served: Douglas County, Kansas
Age Group To Be Served: 3-17

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Marlo
Contact Last Name: Angell
Contact Title: Film, Grants, Special Projects
Contact Phone: 785.843.2787
Contact Email: grants@lawrenceartscenter.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
Legal Name (if Different): Young Mens Christian Association Of Greater Cincinnati
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1105 Elm Street
City: Cincinnati
State: Ohio
Postal Code: 45202
Main Phone: 5135921419
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://myy.org/
Employer ID Number: 31-0537178
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 1/27/2025
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: YMCA Black & Latino Achievers
Project Description:

YMCA Black & Latino Achievers (Achievers) is a college- and career-readiness program that promotes equity in education for economically disadvantaged minority middle and high school students. Achievers prioritize self-exploration, cultural excellence, and personal development. Students rotate through all available career clusters to gain valuable experience across all fields, even those they may not have considered. The Achievers program gives teens a safe space to imagine, think freely, and create their vision for the type of person, student, and professional they would like to be.

Every student in Achievers works with a staff member to create a set of goals and, ultimately, a portfolio of their work and growth. Staff meet with each participant twice annually to measure goals versus outcomes. From there the student and staff member work together to replace goals that have been met and continue working toward those that haven’t. As a part of the shift in model, these goals are linked not only to academic- and career-based success but also to whatever personal development and exploration opportunities students would like to pursue.

When students reach their junior and senior years of high school and start determining their post-secondary goals, Achievers staff break them into groups to ensure they get the most benefit from their last year in the program. In the past, all upperclassmen were grouped together; in this model, students interested in entrepreneurship or entering the workforce right away had to go through extensive sessions on attending college and vice versa. With this strategic shift, participants will still interact and learn skills across their desired goals but will primarily receive coaching related to their pathway.

Students also participate in college tours, where they meet with admissions staff and set goals toward college acceptance.

Total Project Budget: $97,914

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

Project Duration: Jan-Dec 2026
Geographical Area Served: Cincinnati, Oh (Hamilton County)
Age Group To Be Served: 13-18

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Ania
Contact Last Name: Cosby
Contact Title: Grants Director
Contact Phone: 5135921419
Contact Email: acosby@cincinnatiymca.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
Legal Name (if Different): Young Mens Christian Association Of Greater Cincinnati
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1105 Elm Street
City: Cincinnati
State: Ohio
Postal Code: 45202
Main Phone: 5135921419
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://myy.org/
Employer ID Number: 31-0537178
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 1/27/2025
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: YMCA Black & Latino Achievers
Project Description:

YMCA Black & Latino Achievers (Achievers) is a college- and career-readiness program that promotes equity in education for economically disadvantaged minority middle and high school students. Achievers prioritize self-exploration, cultural excellence, and personal development. Students rotate through all available career clusters to gain valuable experience across all fields, even those they may not have considered. The Achievers program gives teens a safe space to imagine, think freely, and create their vision for the type of person, student, and professional they would like to be.

Every student in Achievers works with a staff member to create a set of goals and, ultimately, a portfolio of their work and growth. Staff meet with each participant twice annually to measure goals versus outcomes. From there the student and staff member work together to replace goals that have been met and continue working toward those that haven’t. As a part of the shift in model, these goals are linked not only to academic- and career-based success but also to whatever personal development and exploration opportunities students would like to pursue.

When students reach their junior and senior years of high school and start determining their post-secondary goals, Achievers staff break them into groups to ensure they get the most benefit from their last year in the program. In the past, all upperclassmen were grouped together; in this model, students interested in entrepreneurship or entering the workforce right away had to go through extensive sessions on attending college and vice versa. With this strategic shift, participants will still interact and learn skills across their desired goals but will primarily receive coaching related to their pathway.

Students also participate in college tours, where they meet with admissions staff and set goals toward college acceptance.

Total Project Budget: $97,914

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

Project Duration: Jan-Dec 2026
Geographical Area Served: Cincinnati, Oh (Hamilton County)
Age Group To Be Served: 13-18

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Ania
Contact Last Name: Cosby
Contact Title: Grants Director
Contact Phone: 5135921419
Contact Email: acosby@cincinnatiymca.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: FitMoney, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different): FitMoney, Inc.
Also Known As: N/A
Mailing Address: 1188 Centre Street, 3rd Floor
City: Newton
State: MA
Postal Code: 02459
Main Phone: 781-385-9790
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.fitmoney.org
Employer ID Number: 81-1238297
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 1/27/25
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Free Financial Literacy Programming to Children Across the U.S.
Project Description:

FitMoney, based in MA, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to bring free, unbiased financial literacy programs to all children in grades K-12 through state-of-the-art digital and in-class curricula. By teaching financial literacy early when habits and behaviors are formed, we can build financially fit students, giving them the power to break generational cycles of poverty.

FitMoney has seen an unprecedented amount of growth in the last year. We now empower more than 115,000 K-12 students nationally, including 5,023 in schools across MA, to build financially secure futures through:

$uperSquad (K-3): Digital game-based platform that makes financial literacy fun through interactive adventures.
Online Financially Fit Certificates (Grades 3-12): Offered in English and Spanish, students master financial skills at their own pace. In 2025, the curriculum will also be offered in Portuguese.
Instructor-Led Curriculum (K-12): In-school curriculum.

Of the 260+ schools we currently work with, 130 are low-to-moderate income area schools, as defined by Title I status. Given our values and vision for financial literacy for all, including serving as the only providers of financial literacy for elementary aged children, we pride ourselves in offering all of our programs for free.

Your support of our programming will allow FitMoney to continue expanding its programming, teacher training and community partnerships to reach an even greater number of low-income children this year. With your support, we can double the number of Title I schools served, helping students from marginalized backgrounds develop the critical financial skills they will need for a secure future.

Total Project Budget: 1,130,350

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed Calvin K. Kazanjian Economics Foundation – $25,000 Rockland Trust – $5,000 TD Bank – $10,000 Webster Bank – $5,000 Wilson Sheehan Foundation – $10,000 Potential BayCoast Bank – $15,000 Bushrod H. Campbell and Adah F. Hall Charity Fund – $10,000 Community Possible Grant Program – $20,000 Cummings Foundation – $30,000 FINRA – $50,000 Institution for Savings – $15,000 Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation – $15,000 Metro Credit Foundation – $10,000 Red Sox Foundation – $10,000 State Farm Foundation – $50,000 Robinhood Markets – $100,000 Wellington Management Foundation – $60,000

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Nationwide
Age Group To Be Served: Grades K-12

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Randy
Contact Last Name: Houk
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 781-385-9790
Contact Email: rhouk@fitmoney.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Goddard Youth Camp
Legal Name (if Different): Goddard Youth Foundation
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 2964 Goddard Youth Camp Rd
City: Sulphur
State: OK
Postal Code: 73086
Main Phone: 580-993-3333
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.goddardyouth.camp/
Employer ID Number: 73-0749570
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 1/25/25
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: General Operating Support
Project Description:

Goddard Youth Camp is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1967 and located in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Designated by the U.S. Congress as a National Environmental Education Landmark, Goddard Youth Camp is the longest-running environmental education program in the country and the only educational program located in a national park. Serving as a national model for using nature’s classrooms to teach students about the environment, Goddard Youth Camp provides the ultimate field trip experience! Over 250,000 youth from Oklahoma and North Texas have attended Goddard Youth Camp.

Goddard Youth Camp creates a bridge for children to nature, resulting in significant health benefits and increased classroom performance. It is a 44-building camp with residential cabins, teaching and meeting spaces, a large dining hall, five maintained natural trails, and a museum. Public and private schools coordinate with the camp to send classes of fourth through ninth-grade students and their teachers to spend three or five days at the camp for memorable environmental education lessons in science, history, and culture.

While schools pay a small fee to attend, the amount per child is very low, resulting in the need to supplement program income with grant funding to make the experience available to all who wish to attend. By keeping registration costs low, Goddard can ensure access to this opportunity for students in high-poverty areas, allowing students a transformative experience that introduces them to nature’s wonders.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Goddard served approximately 4,200 students annually. In 2023, Goddard served 3,200 students. In 2024, Goddard Youth Camp was able to extend invitations to new schools and served more than 4,000 students! With your support, Goddard can continue to increase the number of students served and come closer to reaching its goal of serving 4,500 students annually.

Total Project Budget: $676,700

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Partners providing general operating support include the Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation ($50,000), Charles B. Goddard Foundation ($25,000), and Bass Pro and Cabela’s Outdoor Grants ($10,000). Goddard Youth Camp is fortunate to cover its operating expenses through program income (camp participant fee, museum admission fee, and museum gift shop sales). With post-pandemic tensions lessening, schools are resuming field trips, and educational sites such as Goddard Youth Camp are in great demand. This results in the need for fundraising to provide scholarships for school field trips, as Goddard hopes never to turn away a school for its inability to pay.

Project Duration: 01/01/2025-12/31/2025
Geographical Area Served: Goddard works with over 40 schools and corresponding district offices in central and southern Oklahoma and north Texas. This year, Goddard has space to provide new schools with the opportunity to experience hands-on environmental education.
Age Group To Be Served: Goddard provides camp experiences to fourth through ninth-grade students.

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Clayton
Contact Last Name: Edgar
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 580-993-3333
Contact Email: goddardyouthcampok@gmail.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Educational Pathways Academy
Legal Name (if Different): Educational Pathways, Inc.
Also Known As: EPA
Mailing Address: 1351 Pine Street
City: Naples
State: FL
Postal Code: 34104
Main Phone: 239.289.3639
Main Fax: 239.289.3639
Organization Website: https://www.educationalpathwaysacademy.com
Employer ID Number: 35-2583681
Organization Tax Status: 501 c 3

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: January 24, 2025
Requested Amount: $7,500

Project Title: Art Career Education Studies
Project Description:

The ACES Program (Art Career Education Studies) at Educational Pathways Academy is designed to inform career paths, enable job readiness, and equip service to others. Recognizing the inherent strengths of students with language-based learning disabilities, this program strategically centers around the arts, aiming to utilize their exceptional creative abilities to cultivate entrepreneurship, business acumen, and skills applicable to various career paths.

The ACES program will provide purposeful experiential learning through high school curriculum that incorporates the principles of Business, Marketing, Sales, and Service. Students will have the opportunity to graduate with knowledge, skills, and experience in studies such as: Fabric Construction, Fashion Design, Jewelry Fabrication, Oil Painting, and Business Entrepreneurship, with expanded programs in development. Additionally, ACES aims to create experiences where students interface with the public outside of school in order to prepare them socially for the workforce.

Total Project Budget: $45,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): $11,000 – committed

Project Duration: Academic year, recurring
Geographical Area Served: Collier County, Lee County, Florida
Age Group To Be Served: Grades 9-12

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Candace
Contact Last Name: Johnson
Contact Title: Director of Advancement
Contact Phone: 310.736.5786
Contact Email: johnson@educationalpathwaysacademy.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: The Hands and Feet
Legal Name (if Different): Hands and Feet Inc
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 4371 Lake Lucerne Circle
City: West Palm Beach
State: Florida
Postal Code: 33409
Main Phone: 561-879-0792
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.thehandsandfeet.org
Employer ID Number: 38-4190654
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 01/23/2025
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Supporting Hands Program
Project Description:

The Supporting Hands Program at The Hands and Feet was born from a desire to create change after Bailey Hughes, our co-founder, fostered 23 children over five years. Bailey saw firsthand the heartbreaking reality of children entering foster care with little more than the clothes on their backs. While foster closets exist, accessing them is often a challenge for caregivers overwhelmed by sudden placements. The Supporting Hands Program was established to close this gap, delivering essential items directly to families—like a “DoorDash for foster care.”
Within 48 hours of a referral, we provide children entering or at risk of entering foster care with basic necessities like clothing, shoes, car seats, hygiene products, diapers, and baby gear. These items meet immediate physical needs and send a powerful message of care and stability to children experiencing trauma. For caregivers, it relieves the heavy burden of scrambling for resources, allowing them to focus on creating a safe, nurturing environment during a time of crisis.
Since its inception, the program has delivered hope to over 7,000 children across six counties in Florida, helping stabilize placements and reduce stress for families navigating the foster care system. A car seat means a baby can leave the hospital safely; clean clothes ensure a child can attend school with dignity. These seemingly small items can transform a child’s experience of care and belonging.
With this $5,000 grant, we will be able to purchase basic necessities for children entering foster care such as clothing, shoes, car seats, baby items, diapers, and other major necessities. We aim to serve approximately 50 children with this grant. Every hour counts when families are in crisis, and your support will allow us to respond quickly and effectively, fostering hope and resilience to the most vulnerable members of our community.

Total Project Budget: $329,359.01

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: Moss Foundation, Christ Foundation, 100+ Women Who Care; Potential: Wycliffe Charities, Lost Tree Foundation

Project Duration: Ongoing
Geographical Area Served: This particular grant will serve all of Palm Beach County
Age Group To Be Served: Children ages 0-21

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Bailey
Contact Last Name: Hughes
Contact Title: Co-Founder and Executive Director
Contact Phone: 561-879-0792
Contact Email: bailey@thehandsandfeet.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Henderson County Education Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: HCEF
Mailing Address: 414 4th Ave. W.
City: Hendersonville
State: North Carolina
Postal Code: 28792
Main Phone: 8286975551
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.hcefnc.org
Employer ID Number: 58-1734733
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c) 3

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 1/22/25
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Henderson County Pathfinders
Project Description:

The Henderson County Pathfinders Program (HCPP) is a mentorship initiative that pairs students in Henderson County Public Schools with community mentors to provide guidance and support throughout their academic journeys. The program focuses on helping students navigate challenges, set goals, and build essential skills for their future success.

HCPP began in one feeder zone, which includes one middle school and one high school. The program plans to expand by adding one new feeder zone each year until all four feeder zones are included, covering a total of four middle schools and five high schools. This phased approach ensures sustainable growth and allows the program to develop strong mentorship models in each area before scaling further.

To support this expansion, the program has submitted a $10,000 funding request to provide furniture and office supplies, ensuring that the necessary resources are in place to accommodate additional staff and students as it grows.

Mentors meet with students individually every other month, focusing on grade-specific topics such as academic planning, college and career readiness, and personal development. For example, mentors might guide 8th graders through high school course selection or help 11th graders prepare for college entrance exams. These structured interactions are supported by resources like transcripts, grades, and online learning platforms, enabling mentors to provide personalized and effective support.

To ensure the program’s success, mentors are thoroughly trained and required to complete annual background checks. They also participate in ongoing professional development covering topics such as community resources, scholarship opportunities, and workforce trends.

HCPP emphasizes inclusivity by supporting a diverse student population, including those from underrepresented groups. The program’s long-term vision is to empower students to achieve their full potential, whether their path leads to college, vocational training, or direct entry into the workforce.

By fostering strong mentor-student relationships and expanding its reach across the county, the Henderson County Pathfinders Program is creating lasting impacts on students, schools, and the community at large.

Total Project Budget: 97,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): 50,000 committed by Dogwood Foundation

Project Duration: An annual program designed to continue indefinitely, contingent upon ongoing funding.
Geographical Area Served: Henderson County, NC
Age Group To Be Served: 7-12th graders

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Peggy
Contact Last Name: Marshall
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 8286975551
Contact Email: peggy@hcefnc.org