BHEYC Annual Report

1231-B Good Hope Road, S.E. | Washington, DC 20020 Phone: 800-256-7076 Web: www.bravehearyouthcamp.org

1231-B Good Hope Road, S.E. | Washington, DC 20020 Phone: 800-256-7076 Web: www.bravehearyouthcamp.org

BRAVEHEARTYOUTHCAMP.ORG

It is a remarkable privilege to be able to live out your dreams. It is equally amazing to actually be able to reflect and appreciate seeing your vision(s) go from concept to reality; a reality that supports and serves our youth. Although time seems to have whizzed by, I can’t help but recall all of the hard work it’s taken to get to this point as well as all the behind the scenes trials and tribulations. However, I can honestly say that it all has been worth it. I have learned a great deal these past four years about my character as well as my will power. Each lesson learned has helped to deepen my faith in the power of thought and strengthen my belief that helping others is required by all.

Since the summer of 2010, it has been an honor to educate and mentor over 100 youth. Each youth participant has validated the importance of our work and reinforces the need to make entrepreneurship education as readily accessible as possible to youth. Despite the modern day advancements of our time, we can still find many serious issues including; high school drop rates, jail, and unemployment. There are many good people as well as organizations committed to addressing these issues, but we still have much to do and a long way to go to ensuring that any youth who wants to be his or her best has equal access to the best. As an organization we have set the bar high; moving forward we will be responsible for producing young entrepreneurs who will become the job creators of tomorrow. Notwithstanding, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our board of directors, education partners, volunteers, funders, individual donors, and all others who supported me and the organizations mission. Your assistance and service have bolstered our organization's efforts and strengthen our impact on the lives we serve. Sincerely, Ihkeem D. Ma’at, CET Executive Director/Founder

As we journey together to find brighter solutions for helping our youth, we must be open and willing to try new things, especially those things that youth desire; along with supporting and improving the resources and services that do work. The Brave Heart Entrepreneurial Youth Camp (BHEYC), a Washington, DC nonprofit, and our subsidiary program, the Brave Heart Entrepreneurship Academy (BHEA), are year-round enrichment opportunities designed to provide youth insight as well as exposure to the free market economy through entrepreneurship education. Both organizations were developed specifically with a mission: to prepare our youth for Today, Tomorrow, and Forever by equipping them with relevant entrepreneurial skills and business knowledge that will give them an alternative option for creating a healthy, happy and prosperous life for themselves. The organization was conceptualized in 2006 by Ihkeem D. Ma’at, who in July 2009 was certified by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship as a Certified Entrepreneurship Teacher. In August 2009, the organization was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia and in August 2011 received our IRS 501 (c) (3) determination letter. The organization also holds a charitable solicitation license from the District of Columbia.

BHEYC's primary organizational goal is to provide mentoring and support that offers youth, from underserved disadvantaged communities, easy access to entrepreneurship resources and the opportunity to experience an entrepreneurship and financial literacy education. BHEYC is designed to promote and encourage early awareness and involvement in entrepreneurship education activities among youth ages 8-12. BHEA is designed to offer teen youth and young adult’s targeted support and mentoring that makes entrepreneurship and business ownership a tangible, achievable option to creating a prosperous life for themselves as they prepare to transition from young adults to adults.

The benefits of entrepreneurship education—provided at all age levels—have been evident for some time. However, the vast majority of Americans, and especially American youth from disadvantage neighborhoods, still cannot easily access entrepreneurship education training and resources.


It should be the goal of all those involved in the life of a youth to first understand our youth, provide them the necessary safety and structure as well as collectively work to advance those things most desirable by youth that prove to enhance their lives in a positive way, especially such things as entrepreneurship education. Target Audience Youth, show a great interest in entrepreneurship. More than six in ten (65%) want to start a business of their own. Even greater interest is shown by African Americans (75%) and Hispanics (Latinos) (70%). Overall, more than half of all youth (54%) interested in starting a business say they are likely to do so, which suggests that there is a large untapped pool of potential entrepreneurs in the United States.

Nearly half of Black Americans, Native Americans, and Latinos fail to graduate high school. The decision to drop out is a dangerous one for the student. Dropouts are much more likely than their peers who graduate to be unemployed, living in poverty, receiving public assistance, in prison, on death row, unhealthy, divorced, and single parents with children who drop out from high school themselves. Washington, DC In Washington, DC, 43 percent of students who entered the ninth grade in 2004 graduated four years later. Of the 4,570 students in that ninth grade class, four years later, 2,605 students were left behind. Most of these students are youth of color, as 94 percent of Washington, DC’s school enrollment is minority, 81 percent of which are black. The large number of youth dropping out of school in the District of Columbia requires attention. Many of these youth are neither working nor in school (Source: DCPS). With such a grim reality before us, doing nothing--as adults--is an option that we can not afford. This crisis requires an all hands on deck approach no matter what your position or profession is in life.

“Youth that are not able to find a job through conventional means should be able to create their own jobs.”

Our program aims to play a very important role in fostering positive youth development


Our curriculum is not based solely on any one textbook format. We are continuously modifying and improving to ensure that we offer our youth participants the best hands-on, minds-on opportunity that separately engages participants of different ages and grade levels. We utilize the most that technology has to offer including web based programs and simulations that support learning.

Specific simulation programs allow for youth to set up virtual businesses were they learn to operate and manage a business over a period of time, providing practical experience and knowledge necessary to operate a real business someday if they choose. One of our main curriculum outputs is for youth to develop a business plan for a business idea. The curriculum is also infused with essential life building skills as well as a central theme that focuses on building courage, confidence, good character, and a mind focused on excellence.


A key survey by the Gallup Poll indicates that many students, particularly youth of color have a strong interest in entrepreneurship:

high school students said that they wanted to start their own business

of the students said that independence was their primary motivation for wanting to start a business (and not monetary benefits).

of the students said that it was very important for successful entrepreneurs or business owners to give something, in addition to providing employment, back to the community

of black students said that it was very important for successful entrepreneurs

students rate their entrepreneurial knowledge as poor or fair at most

when asked to answer questions demonstrating basic entrepreneurial knowledge

of students reported that they had taken a class in business or entrepreneurship

of black youth said that it is “very important” that the nation’s about entrepreneurship and business

of black youth said that they wanted to start their own

business

they had been taught “practically nothing about” or “very little about” business and how it works

of students said that it is “important” (36%) or “very important” (48%) that schools teach more about entrepreneurship and how to start a business

or business owners to give something, in addition to providing employment, back to the community


Increased economic literacy and freedom Increased self-esteem Improved math, reading, and writing scores

Inspire at risk youth to stay in school Combat involvement in negative activities Reduce likelihood of teen pregnancy

Inspire the desire for higher education Increase career opportunities

Youth entrepreneurship is a proven approach that positively impacts the lives of young people, especially hard to reach at-risk youth. Participants in youth entrepreneurship programs have shown improvements in their communication, decision-making and goal-setting abilities and participants have an increased interest in attending college while simultaneously decreasing their exposure to at-risk behaviors.

Communities that support and embrace youth entrepreneurship are positioning themselves to generate and retain wealth. By supporting youth entrepreneurship programs, communities are not only improving their economy, they are strengthening America’s economy and offering opportunities for youth to build wealth.

The benefits of entrepreneurship education—provided at all age levels—have been evident for some time. However, the vast majority of Americans, and especially American youth from disadvantage communities, still cannot easily access entrepreneurship education training and resources.


Building entrepreneurial skills and business knowledge.

Six weeks inspiring youth to discover the world through entrepreneurial learning.

Once a week participants gain first-hand experience in economics and business.

Preparing young entrepreneurs in a practical business environment.

Where tomorrows young entrepreneurs prepare today.

A practical solution to positive youth development.


About The Brave Heart Young Entrepreneur Starter Kit is designed to promote and encourage early awareness and involvement in entrepreneurship and financial literacy education among youth ages 8-12. The kit offers up-and-coming young entrepreneurs the chance to develop the knowledge and skills to be successful at operating a future business by learning early about entrepreneurship and business. Just like any other professionals, we want our young entrepreneurs to be equipped with the essentials needed to do business. Brave Heart has assembled the Young Entrepreneur Starter Kit. Designed with the young entrepreneur in mind; the Young Entrepreneur Starter Kit will make it easier to store business tools, easier to store papers and documents, and easier to prepare for working on projects. The Young Entrepreneur Starter Kit includes:

Kit Essentials • 1 Carrying Case – Used to hold the contents of the Starter Kit • Kidpreneur Book – A young entrepreneurs guide to starting a

business • 1 Business Journal – Used to record, ideas, plans, and reflections • 1 Business Plan Template – Used to develop business idea • 3 Compact Disk – Containing animated lessons, presentations, and

motivational videos • 1 Wristband Flash Drive – Used to store important documents and

data • 1 Calculator – Used to do business calculation • 1 Mouse pad – Used to identify individual • 1 Pen • 1 Stationary Note Pad


The organization officially launched its first pilot program in the summer of 2010 and through the present day has mentored over one-hundred youth. This was accomplished through strategic partnerships with other reputable organizations including:

BEACON HOUSE

U.S. DREAM ACADEMY

DEPARTMENT OF

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

WHEELER CREEK COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION

DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

MAYA ANGELOU ACADEMY

THE FISHING SCHOOL

DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS

DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH

REHABILITATION SERVICES


Our success is linked closely to the dedicated oversight of our board of directors and staff.


In an effort to ensure that we are achieving our goals and strategies as well as providing a meaningful program overall, we will regularly track progress through test, quizzes and other means.

This data along with other measurement data is tracked and input into our Performance Measurement Data Collection Plan. The plan assures all of our community partners, supporters, funding partners, stakeholders, and the public that our goals have been met.

Using the plan also helps target youth that need additional help as well as program areas that need improvement


In partnership with the Community Preservation Development Corporation (CPDC) from June 25th, 2012 through August 10th, 2012 we conducted our first full day summer camp. The camp was hosted at the CPDC Wardman Court Apartments Community Center at no cost to BHEYC. The partnership allowed us to offer the camp at no cost to youth participants. The camp operated from 8:00am until 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Registration included 29 youth ages 8-12 from the Wardman Court Apartments and the surrounding Columbia Heights neighborhood. Twenty Five youth officially entered the camp on the first day. One youth attended half a day. In addition to the 29 registered youth in the required age range, an exception was made by the Executive Director to allow 7 youth ages 5-7 to enter the program on a trial basis. Additional support was provided through the DC Department of Employment Services Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). As a host site we hosted eight summer youth employees ranging in age from 16-19.

The teens were a valuable contribution to the summer camp and were given the opportunity to develop leadership skills as well as gain practical civic and social abilities. In addition the program hosted three volunteers. The summer camp culminated with a business plan competition, a trip to Lucky Strikes, the movies, as well as a closeout BBQ. Camp successfully concluded with no major physical incidents and over fifteen parent signatures supporting us continuing our work in the community.


Food: Youth were fed both a nutritional Breakfast and Lunch provided through the Department and Recreation Free Summer Meals Program.

Trips: Field trips included visits to the African American Civil War Museum, Museum of African History, Air and Space Museum, the Bureau of Printing and Engraving, and a City Hike that identified and studied various heritage trail markers along the hike that led to the National Building Museum. The last and final camp trip was to the movies see “Ice Age” and bowling at Lucky Strikes in Chinatown.

Activities: The camp, based on the Michelle Obama “Let’s Move” campaign placed emphasis on the need to engage in light physical activity. Youth participated in outdoor walks, racing, football, jump rope, and trips to the local pool.

Based on the pre and post-test survey results the participants who remained in the camp until the end and took both the pre and post-test survey increased their entrepreneurship and business knowledge by an average 21%.


Guest Presentation: Presenters included Dr. Yew of Yew360 with a presentation on Herbs and Alternative Medicines, Randy McCain of the National Society of Black Engineers Jr. chapter and two of his students conducted a robotics presentation. Also for our Black Greek Awareness Day representatives from Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho, Alpha Phi Alpha, and Kappa Alpha Psi did a presentation on Black Greek organization.

Projects: Youth hosted three lemonade and cookie fundraisers. Camp participants also worked in teams to develop posters displaying camp rules. As a part of the robotics presentation teams were formed to see who could build a robot the fastest. One of the primary projects was the completion of a business plan by each youth.


The Academy is designed to offer teen youth and young adult’s targeted support and mentoring that makes entrepreneurship and business ownership a tangible, achievable alternative. In partnership with the Community Preservation Development Corporation (CPDC) from July 1st, 2013 through August 9th, 2013 the Academy hosted 12 teens over six weeks as a part of our first summer teen academy. Program participants ranged in age from 13-20 and included teens from the Department of Employment Services (SYEP) as well as teens from the Wardman Court Apartments and the surrounding Columbia Heights community.

Academy Enrichment : • Entrepreneurship • Project Management • Health & Wellness • Digital Literacy

• Financial Literacy • Work Readiness • Self-Awareness and Spirituality • Civic & Social Ability

In an effort to address the increasing number of youth heading in the direction of a life involved in crime, prison, or death; we developed Prosperity NOT Prison. Through Prosperity NOT Prison we specifically target youth who are a part of the juvenile justice system, youth faced with academic challenges, on the brink of dropping out of school, or have dropped out of school. In late November 2012 BHEA volunteered to serve as a host site for youth interns affiliated with the Department of Youth and Rehabilitative Services (DYRS). Our program was assigned 5 male youth interns ranging in ages from 15-19. The goal of the partnership was to offer youth interns an opportunity to experience mentoring, work readiness training, employment experience and an entrepreneurship education.


17 56% 84%

(Tested 5-22-13) 28% Yes Yes

18 68% 96%


17 72% 100%


15 68% 100%


16 60% 92%



The 2012 Gallup-HOPE Index, based on a study of 1,217 5th through 12th graders in the U.S., shows that many students in the U.S. have the entrepreneurial aspiration and energy they need to build a business that will survive, grow, and employ others. The study explores what students think about their economic future and the access they have to the education and experience needed to realize their aspirations. Nearly Half of Young People Have Entrepreneurial Intentions. About 4 in 10 students (43%) say they plan to start their own business. Similarly, four in ten students (42%) say they will invent something that changes the world. Girls (46%) were more likely to agree they plan to start their own business than boys (40%); whereas boys (45%) were somewhat more likely than girls (40%) to say they will invent something that changes the world. With the success rate of new business upstarts reportedly flat (Dunn & Bradstreet, 2012), it is important to help young entrepreneurs be persistent in their quest to start a business.

Disagree Agree Disagree Agree

I plan to start my own business

I will invent something that changes the world


Economic Participation Trails Aspirations The Gallup-HOPE index shows a large disconnect between students’ economic attitudes and energy and their participation in the U.S. economy. About half (54%) say they have a bank or credit union account with money in it. {Fig. 3} Fewer boys (51%) than girls (58%) indicated they have a bank or credit union account. White students (58%) were somewhat more likely than non-white students (50%) to say they have a bank account. Age is the strongest predictor for whether students have money in a bank account. Six in 10 older students in grades 9 through 12 and 48% of students in grades 5 through 8 have money in a bank account. Only 7% of students say they are currently interning with a local business, up marginally from 2011 findings. About one-third (32%) of young people say their parents or guardians have started a business.

Do you have a bank or credit union account with money in it?

No Yes

Are you currently interning with a local business?

Have either of your parents or guardians ever started a business?

No Yes

No Yes


Grade(s): 3rd through 5th 3rd through 4th 6th 3rd through 7th

Number of Questions:

13 25 25 25

Pre Survey Date: March 20, 2012 February 21, 2012 November 2, 2011 January 25, 2011

Post Survey Date: June 5, 2012 May 29, 2012 May 30, 2012 June 7, 2011

Total Number of Youth Participants:

6 8 9 12

Total Number of Youth Participants:

5 8 5 21

Pre Survey Ages: 8 – 12 (8: 2) (9: 2 )

(10: ) (11: 2 ) 8 – 13 (8: 0) (9: 6)

(10: 2) 8 – 12 (8: 0) (9: 0)

(10: 0) (11: 7) (12: 2)

8 – 13 (8: 0) (9: 2) (10: 4) (11: 3) (12: 1)

(13: 2)

Post Survey Ages: 8 – 12 (8: 2 ) (9: 3)

(10: ) 8 – 13 (8: 1) (9: 5)

(10: 2 ) 8 – 12 (8: 0) (9: 0)

(10: 0) (11: 3) (12: 2) 8 – 13 (8: 0) (9: 3)

(10: 10) (11: 4) (12: 3)

Comments:

Youth participants who completed the workshop increased their entrepreneurship and business knowledge by an average of 14%

Youth participants who completed the workshop increased their entrepreneurship and business knowledge by an average of 22%.

Youth participants who completed the workshop improved their entrepreneurship and business knowledge by an average of 31%.

For those who took both Pre and Post-test, the results reflect an average of 33% increase in their entrepreneurship/business knowledge.

The Brave Heart Entrepreneurial Youth Camp is designed to promote and encourage early awareness and involvement in entrepreneurship education and related activities among youth. Even with just a few weeks of consistent exposure youths’ entrepreneurship and business knowledge is proven to increase.


It is our goal for 2014 to raise $200,000 by the end of the year. With sufficient funding we will be able to improve and further develop existing programming.

It is our goal for 2014 to mentor and support 60 youth participants as well as help launch 10 youth businesses.

The success of the organization is linked to a committed and supportive board of directors. It is our goal for 2014 to further develop and build a strong board by gaining the support of three new directors from the DC metropolitan community as well as nationally.

It is our goal to create an interactive user friendly website where youth and members of the community can easily access entrepreneurship resources and support.


Obtained 501(c)(3) 2011

Awarded $25,000 2012

DC Mayor Acknowledgement

2013

Header 1 The organization received its 501(c)(3) determination letter August 2011. Obtaining and maintaining IRS exempt status if critical to the future success of our fundraising initiatives.

Header 2 October 2012 the organization received its first large grant award for $25,000 from the Unity Fund for Sustained Change.

Header 3 June 2013 we received a letter of recognition from the DC Mayor for our work in partnership with the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS).


1231-B Good Hope Road, S.E. | Washington, DC 20020 Phone: 800-256-7076

Web: www.bravehearyouthcamp.org

Documents

BHEYC Annual Report