Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Positive About Possibilities, Inc
Legal Name (if Different): PAP
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 197 Mill Street, B7
City: Poughkeepsie
State: New York
Postal Code: 12601
Main Phone: 8457051954
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.positiveabooutpossibilites.org
Employer ID Number: 85-0774000
Organization Tax Status: Nonprofit 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 07/08/2025
Requested Amount: 8500

Project Title: Rise Up Academy: Life & Leadership Skills for Future Innovators
Project Description:

Rise Up Academy: Life & Leadership Skills for Future Innovators is a dynamic, year-round youth development program designed to empower underserved youth ages 13–18 with essential life and leadership skills. The program focuses on five key areas financial literacy, civic engagement, digital storytelling, entrepreneurship, and conflict resolution providing young people with tools to build confidence, self-awareness, and a strong sense of purpose.

In communities where resources are limited, youth often lack access to enrichment programs that foster long-term success. Rise Up Academy addresses this gap by creating an inclusive, engaging space where youth meet weekly to explore real-world topics through interactive workshops, speaker sessions, and peer-led projects. Each activity is designed to enhance critical thinking, communication, and teamwork while promoting personal growth and social responsibility.

A signature feature of the program is the capstone project, where participants identify a local challenge—such as youth violence, food insecurity, or mental health stigma—and develop actionable solutions. These projects are presented at a community summit, giving youth a platform to amplify their voices and demonstrate leadership in action.

With a modest $8500 budget, Rise Up Academy will support 15 youth through stipends, transportation, meals, materials, and technology. It removes financial and logistical barriers that often prevent participation, making leadership development accessible to all.

This is more than a program it is a catalyst for transformation. Rise Up Academy prepares youth to become not just future professionals, but thoughtful, engaged citizens and changemakers. It instills lifelong skills while reinforcing the belief that every young person has the potential to lead, create, and rise. With support, these youth will not only succeed they will inspire change in their communities and beyond.

Total Project Budget: 8500

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

Project Duration: One year
Geographical Area Served: Hudson Valley New York
Age Group To Be Served: 12-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Debra
Contact Last Name: Long
Contact Title: CEO
Contact Phone: 8457051954
Contact Email: Debrakayelong@gmail.com