The Mission
How ATY was Founded
Affect the Youth (ATY) was founded in response to the tragic death of George Floyd, which caused a significant shift in societal awareness and deepened the country’s divisions. The founders of ATY engaged in conversations that led to the establishment of an organization with a clear vision for creating change.
The challenges we face are complex and difficult, and finding solutions has proven elusive. One founding member of ATY stated, “We don’t need new laws, we just need to follow the ones in place. Everyone should be able to go home from a routine traffic stop.” Despite this, the question remains: how can we solve a problem that is much bigger than any individual or organization?
We believe that the challenges we face in our country’s policing are rooted in a variety of factors, including race and socioeconomic status. However, the underlying issue is a failure to see ourselves in each other.
ATY’s mission is to impact the hearts of our peers, change the narratives within young minds, and provide positive examples of what it means to be human, loving, giving, and empathetic. To accomplish this, we have developed the STREAM program.
What is STREAM?
STREAM stands for Science, Technology, Real World, Engineering, Arts/Athletics, and Math. It serves as a conduit for our broader vision by providing opportunities for personal growth and development to young people of all races and ethnicities. Our hope is that by engaging the next generation, we can change the minds of those who may one day be in a position to take a life.
Our program is designed to be inclusive and comprehensive, encompassing all aspects of education and providing support for those seeking higher education, a trade, or pursuing an entrepreneurial vision. By offering a multifaceted approach to education, we believe we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people and the broader community.
- Science
- Technology
- Real World
- Engineering
- Arts/Athletics
- Math
Scholarships
We are proud to offer annual scholarships to a wide range of individuals, including high school students, high school graduates, college-level students, and ATY alumni. Our scholarships are designed to provide financial support and recognize academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. We believe that education is a powerful tool for creating positive change and are committed to supporting individuals who are pursuing their academic and professional goals. Our scholarship program is just one way in which we are working to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people and the communities we serve.
Mentorships
Our mentorship programs are designed to provide guidance and support to young people as they navigate their personal and professional journeys. Our mentors are committed to helping our mentees achieve their goals and develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Through one-on-one interactions, our mentors offer insights and advice, share their experiences, and serve as role models for our mentees. Our mentorship programs are a vital part of our mission to impact the hearts of our peers and create positive change in our communities.
Internships
Our internship programs provide valuable opportunities for young people to gain practical experience in their chosen fields while working alongside professionals in their respective industries. Our internships are designed to offer hands-on learning experiences that help prepare individuals for their future careers. We work closely with our partner organizations to ensure that our interns receive mentorship, guidance, and support throughout their internship. Our goal is to equip young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in their chosen professions. By offering high-quality internships, we are helping to build a stronger, more diverse, and more inclusive workforce for the future.
Community Engagement
Community engagement is a fundamental aspect of our mission at Affect the Youth. We are committed to working closely with community members to identify the unique needs and challenges facing our neighborhoods and developing solutions to address them. We believe that building strong relationships and partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses is essential to creating lasting positive change. Our community engagement initiatives include events, workshops, and other activities designed to bring people together and foster collaboration. By working together, we can create a brighter future for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Programs and Services
Our programs and services are designed to provide support and opportunities for personal and professional growth to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. From mentorship and internship programs to scholarships and community engagement initiatives, we offer a range of programs and services that are tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges of our communities. Our goal is to empower individuals to achieve their full potential and make a positive impact in their communities. By offering high-quality programs and services, we are working to create a more just, equitable, and inclusive society for all.
Workshops
Our scholarship essay writing workshops are designed to help high school students, high school graduates, college-level individuals, and ATY alumni develop the skills and strategies they need to write compelling essays that stand out to scholarship committees. Led by experienced writing instructors, our workshops cover a range of topics, including understanding the essay prompt, crafting a strong thesis statement, organizing ideas effectively, and editing and revising. We provide personalized feedback and guidance to each participant, helping them to refine their writing skills and produce high-quality scholarship essays. Our scholarship essay writing workshops are just one way in which we are working to support individuals on their academic and professional journeys, and help them achieve their goals.
Leaders at Affect the Youth
Meet the team of founders, staff and volunteers.
Aaron Harvey
Director
Lisa Aziz
Secretary
Kenneth Bosworth
Founder/Marketing and Technology
Carl Brown
Founder
Charles Dunlap
Founder/Fundraising
Al Gipson
Founder
Antoine Lee
Founder/Partnerships
Danny McLane
Founder
Joanne Vieira Norman
Volunteer
Jayson Sawyer
Founder
Jerry Schaaf
Founder/Operations and Finance
Phil Shell
Founder/Partnerships
Gaelen Whittemore
Founder/Fundraising
Let’s Do This
Together!
We need your help in this mission. Our greatest and most important “ask” is that if you are reading this today, that you choose to see yourself in others first and foremost. If our mission moves you, help us to impact others through donations and engagement. We love to hear from our community. We love to see change. We love to affect the youth.
To talk to someone regarding our scholarship foundation, feel free to use this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.