HIGH ASPIRATIONS INCORPORATED

High Aspirations utilizes intensive development and mentoring to help young men stay on the right path and realize their dreams. The program works with a 7:1 ratio of mentees to mentors, allowing for close personal relationship development and positive reinforcement through teaming. HA's programs strengthen social-emotional skills, relationships and community engagement. Every young man who enters the program is expected to establish his own five-step plan designed to raise grades, increase community involvement, and improve relationships. Mentees are expected to participate in HA programs and are evaluated based on their individualized action plans. The current geographic area served is Kansas City, Missouri's urban core. Current programming includes over 92 partnerships: Chess Club: Teaches critical thinking skills, strategy, and patience: weekly sessions and tournaments throughout the year. Leadership/Entrepreneurship Training: Interactive Speakers series on leadership and business, writing and public speaking, and racial and ethnic pride that builds on a foundation of African-American history. HA's Olympics: Competition that engages all participants, parents, and mentors in Youth Leadership and Service Learning activities. Teams strive for excellence in four key areas: Academics, HA Activities, Relationship Building, and Community Service. Pre-Collegiate Program: Young men explore options in higher education, tour colleges, study for college entrance examinations, discuss college life, and if appropriate, engage in remedial classes. Community Service: Mentees donate their time to various groups, creating positive interaction with their community, learning the importance of being good citizens, and appreciating the value of public spaces. Legally Informed: Our young men interact with the Kansas City Police Department, lawyers, and judges to learn their rights as well as their responsibilities, building understanding of the legal system and the importance of staying on the right track. High Aspirations Lawn Service (HALS): During the spring and summer months, our HALS mentees learn how to run their own business, cutting grass and receiving paychecks. High Aspirations is led by its Founder and President, Henry Wash and our Program Manager, Brian Thomas. We also have a full-time Administrative Assistant as well as two part-time Interns who are graduates of the program. High Aspirations remains committed to best and evidence-based practices, strategies, and approaches, in order to evolve continuously through updated and enhanced programs responsive to the needs of Kansas City's at-risk, black male youth. Outreach and collaboration, now grown to 92 plus diverse, multi-sector partners, remains essential to recruitment and retention of program participants and Mentors. The Mentoring Campus at 803 East 27th Street, in the heart of the Longfellow neighborhood in the urban core and is accessible through public transportation. This new environment is conducive to learning and engagement through an open floor plan, youth friendly access to educational tools, and opportunities to earn rewards through a state-of-the-art media room with positive lifestyle components, raised bed gardens, small track and open air-pavilion. 2023 highlights included: -Strengthening the relationship with University of Kansas and Up Metrics for the purpose of engagement in program evaluation and metrics. -Successfully implemented Stage 2 of the Strategic Plan with the intention and goal of increasing to 70 mentees, 10 mentors, 10 volunteers, 1 program specialist and 1 intern. Youth with mentors have an increased likelihood of going to college, better attitudes toward school, advanced social and emotional development, improved self-esteem and are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol or engage in criminal behavior. Expansion of programming and partnerships to include KPRS/KPRT Radio Show, Keisha Candy Apples, Missouri Department of Conservation, KC Current, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Engage South KC, Park University, K-State, Kansas City Chamber and many others. High Aspirations (HA) changes the lives of the young men we serve as well as the community at large with our all-African American mentoring program in the heart of the city. On average, HA's mentees improve their GPAs by 17%. After completing high school, our young men go to college, the military, pursue a trade or get a job. HA has retained 99.1% of mentees since the inception of the Mentoring Center. In 2022, HA had the following outcomes with their 147 mentees: * GPA average of 2.8 * 100% Graduated High School * 100% went on to college or are college bound 100% of our job aged young men are employed 87% retention of mentees 48 weeks of diversified programming Each young man is expected to evaluate his own progress, based on his five-step action plan. With our Program Specialist, they review report cards, weekly mentee trackers, and attendance and program participation logs. Surveys measure social involvement, attitudes about risk-taking behaviors, and the importance of schoolwork. High Aspirations operates under the core values of Quality, Challenge and Love. Youth are exposed to leadership that provides spiritual enrichment and support. In 2023HA has retained 89% of mentees since the inception of the Mentoring Center. In 2023, HA had the following outcomes with their mentees, GPA average of 2.5, 100% Graduated High School and 85% went on to college or are college bound. The University of Kansas oversees our program evaluation. Each young man is expected to evaluate his own progress, based on his five-step action plan. With our Program Specialist, they review report cards, weekly mentee trackers, and attendance and program participation logs. Surveys measure social involvement, attitudes about risk-taking behaviors, and the importance of schoolwork. We will continue to work with KU evaluation experts to ensure our outcome measurements are effective. In 2023 High Aspirations achieved remarkable milestones this year, empowering 278 mentees through individualized five-step action plans and delivering over 8,000 contact hours of mentorship. With the support of 92 program partners, the organization made a significant impact, hosting 96 sessions, serving over 5,000 meals, and conducting eight college tours. At single events, such as the Juneteenth 311 celebration and the Back-to-School Backpack drive, 1,200 people attended, with 386 youth receiving essential school supplies and 165 youth benefiting from Shop with a Pro, where they were gifted Christmas presents. These initiatives reflect High Aspirations' ongoing dedication to nurturing the academic, social, and emotional growth of young Black men in Kansas City. The program's extensive network of schools, volunteers, and supporters continues to grow, drawing strength from partnerships with local organizations like Union Station, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Negro League Baseball Museum. Notably, their collaboration with KPRSKPRT has expanded the program's outreach, fostering community awareness and engagement. High Aspirations also partnered with local institutions like YMCA, US Engineering, and the Kansas City Corvette Club, ensuring well-rounded experiences for the mentees, from academic support to community service opportunities like the Harvesters food program. Together, these accomplishments highlight the organization's profound influence and unwavering commitment to shaping the lives of young men.