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: 448 N. 11th Street
City: Baton Rouge
State: Louisiana
Postal Code: 70802
Main Phone: 225-456-5752
Main Fax:
Organization Website: thebryc.org
Employer ID Number: 262477597
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/28/2025
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: BRYC’s 2025–2026 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 17 percent of lower-income students nationally to drop out of college. Those who do persist carry $52,000 in 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 500 teen “Fellows,” preparing them to enter, persist in, and graduate from college. Closing out our 16th year, BRYC’s 750 alumni have collectively earned $90+ million in scholarships and boast an 83% 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 15th class (2024) received 616 college acceptances and $5 million in gift aid. One-hundred percent are enrolled in two- or four-year degree programs with affordable payments plans. We ask the Hermanowski Foundation to support this program because, quite simply, it works.

BRYC’s 200 Class of 2026 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. $100 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: $350,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): – Lisa and Thomas Adamek: $200,000 (committed) – Annette Barton: $25,000 (committed) – Ava and Cordell Haymon: $25,000 (committed) – Garrett and Mary Moran: $25,000 (committed) – Lemoine Company: $20,000 (committed) – Unum: $20,000 (potential) – Cheryl and Dave Luecke: $10,000 (committed) – TJX Foundation: $10,000 (potential) – Entergy: $5,000 (potential)

Project Duration: January 2026 — August 2026
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.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Connor
Contact Last Name: Gonzales
Contact Title: Director of Administration
Contact Phone: 225-456-5752
Contact Email: connor@thebryc.org