Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Baton Rouge Youth Coalition, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: BRYC
Mailing Address: 448 N. 11th Street
City: Baton Rouge
State: LA
Postal Code: 70802
Main Phone: 225-456-5752
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: thebryc.org
Employer ID Number: 26-2477597
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: March 23, 2023
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% of lower-income students nationally to drop out of college. 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 higher education and become leaders and innovators for Louisiana.

BRYC was founded in 2009 when a high school teacher realized even his 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 300 high school “Fellows,” preparing them to enter, persist in, and graduate from college. Closing out our 14th year, BRYC’s 579 alumni have collectively earned $53 million in scholarships and boast an 80% persistence rate – six 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 13th class (2022) increased their ACT score 3.5 points while in BRYC and received 321 college acceptances and $5.56 million in gift aid; 96% are enrolled in college, with one Fellow choosing a gap year. We ask the Hermanowski Foundation to support this program because, quite simply, it works.

In 2023-2024, BRYC’s 100 Senior Fellows will receive:
– 1:1 support from BRYC College Counselors and trained College Mentors
– Robust essay coaching
– Comprehensive ACT preparation
– Out-of-state college tours
– Min. $250 direct financial assistance

In fall 2023, Fellows will focus on ACT, FAFSA, and submitting applications. In spring 2024, Fellows will apply for scholarships, choose their school, and plan their college budget. They will cap off senior year with “College 101,” BRYC’s eight-week course focused on the transition to college life.

Total Project Budget: $325,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): – NBA Foundation, $150,000, committed – Baton Rouge Alliance for Students, $25,000, committed – Unum, $25,000, potential – Hancock Whitney, $7,500, potential – Junior League of Baton Rouge: $5,000, committed – Rotary Club of Baton Rouge Foundation: $5,000, committed

Project Duration: August 2023 – June 2024
Geographical Area Served: Greater Baton Rouge Area, Louisiana
Age Group To Be Served: 14-18 years

Contact Information

---

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