Raising leaders from the neighborhood for the neighborhood

Social support networks

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

For Harambee, "social support networks" refer to interpersonal relationships that provide emotional, informational, and practical assistance crucial for youth development. These networks include family, peers, mentors, educators, and community members who offer encouragement, advice, and tangible help. Understanding social support networks involves creating programs that foster strong, positive relationships. This includes mentoring programs connecting youth with role models, peer support groups, family engagement initiatives, and community partnerships. We seek to enhance youth resilience, self-esteem, and overall success by nurturing these networks. Strong social support networks help youth overcome challenges, achieve goals, and develop into confident, capable individuals. Harambee builds social support networks through community-focused programs, enhancing interpersonal skills, fostering peer support, and engaging families and local leaders.

Harambee seeks to strengthen the social support networks of our youth with these three programs:
BUILD University (B.U.) offers high school scholars opportunities to explore and develop skills in music, film, fashion, and entrepreneurship. B.U. helps students discover passions, cultivate talents, and gain leadership and life skills. Scholars collaborate with experienced instructors on hands-on projects, gaining practical knowledge over 10 sessions. It focuses on diverse fields, skill development, mentorship, collaborative learning, and enhancing leadership and life skills, preparing students for real-world challenges and positively impacting their communities.
Power Talk addresses unhealthy belief systems and thought patterns through in-class interventions. It empowers students to achieve scholastic success, develop good character, and inspire leadership by addressing social-emotional needs from a culturally relevant perspective. The program fosters traits like integrity, empathy, and resilience, inspiring students to lead within their communities.
Harambee BEE Program offers tuition-free academic enrichment to underserved youth in Pasadena and nearby communities. Serving students aged 6-17, it focuses on increasing academic success through rigorous tutoring and accountability. By partnering with PUSD students and families, the program ensures access to a supportive community dedicated to their academic well-being, helping bridge educational gaps for at-risk youth.

Harambee envisions a Los Angeles County where every young person thrives academically, creatively, and socially, irrespective of their background. BUILD University empowers high school scholars in music, film, fashion, and entrepreneurship, fostering leadership and practical skills for real-world challenges. Power Talk addresses beliefs and social-emotional needs to reduce dropout rates and nurture resilient leaders. The Harambee BEE Program bridges educational gaps by providing tuition-free academic enrichment, ensuring all youth access rigorous tutoring. Our long-term plan includes scaling to reach more youth, cultivating empowered leaders who drive positive change, contributing to economic growth, and fostering social cohesion. We aim to create a lasting legacy of equitable education and opportunity for all through partnerships.Truly living to our mission where we exist to nurture and equip leaders from the neighborhood, for the neighborhood.

The success of Harambee’s programs will be measured through a combination of qualitative and quantitative metrics. Attendance and participation rates are monitored across all initiatives, along with pre-and post-program surveys to assess social-emotional growth and satisfaction. In BUILD University programs and Power Talk, we evaluate skill development through student showcases and project completions. Additionally, feedback from students, parents, and teachers provides insights into the programs' impact on personal growth and community engagement. According to Power Talk post-assessments, 90% of scholars reported having a stronger vision for their future. 81% of scholars reported communicating more effectively with their peers after Power Talk. 99% of parents have reported improvement in their child's academic improvement as a result of participating in the B.E.E. program.