R.E.A.D.Y. (Resources Education and Assistance for Deserving Youth).

Youth Economic Advancement (sponsored by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

Youth in the city of Compton are challenged by multiple socioeconomic factors. In the Compton Unified School District , 91% of the students are eligible for free or reduced priced meals; or have parents/guardians who did not receive a high school diploma. Although the graduation rate in Compton is 83%, 61% of high school graduates are placed in the "Not Prepared" level on the College/Career Indicator. In this community, 34% of families live below the poverty level, with the rate of unemployment for adults being an overwhelming 25%. Due to lack of positive opportunities rampant violence and teen pregnancy is at 12%, adolescents seem to refuge in drug and gang-related activities. A effective youth program would offer the youth guidance and support as an alternative to gang activity , while preparing them for careers and academic success. When youth empowerment programs and operations are being carried out, the rate of crime and criminal mischief will drastically reduce.

The organization will offer after-school activities, mentorships, and youth cohorts through its capstone program, R.E.A.D.Y. (Resources Education and Assistance for Deserving Youth). Through business engagement and expanded job training, the program will secure youth employment opportunities and help young people develop the skills they need to succeed in higher education and the workforce. It will also help young people develop their career interests and prepare them for the workforce by providing them with summer jobs, year-round employment opportunities, and apprenticeships. The program will offer seminars, access to tutoring after school, athletic activities, group workshops, seminars on mental health, career readiness instruction for youth at risk (ages 16-24), and protection against gang and domestic violence. The organization's goal is to raise a generation of inner-city adolescents who are equipped with the information and skills they will need to succeed in the future. CHICA offers tutoring, health classes, and mentorships to assist students in navigating college life and practical issues. To date, CHICA has fed over 2500 people, worked with the Compton Girls Club to hold a program on college readiness, and given over 50 families access to basic necessities like food and school supplies.

The R.E.A.D.Y program will cultivate a generation of Los Angeles youth, with essential life skills and knowledge to ensure the success of the future. The program will be 100% free to families in Compton to start . With funding opportunities such as these we will will extend its project to more communities in other places; opening several after school R.E.A.D.Y centers and weekend cohorts by 2025. We project that by the end of 2025 we would have a total of 2,000 participants in our program annually . That's 2,000 Los Angeles County Youth that will be prepared skills to meet the need of future generations

R.E.A.D.Y program will be evaluated through self-evaluations, surveys and using specific information collected and tracked during the duration of the program. This information includes academic updates, employment status reports and impact through our post program outreach team that maintain contact with adolescents. We track our impact by measuring the following: number and percent of mentored youth who showed improved self-worth and self-esteem. Number and precent of mentored youth participating for 12months who are enrolled in college the first year after high school graduation. Number and precent of mentored youth participating for 12 months who obtained and retain full time employment. Also, external auditors and inspectors will have the right of way when the grant-offering organization wishes to inspect the project's performance. That way, there will be transparency in the analysis of how this organization is faring over time.