Carolina Youth Coalition

Carolina Youth Coalition is hosting Paddles For A Purpose: Pickleball Tournament on March 22! ???? Whether you're a seasoned pro or picking up a paddle for the first time, this event is all about friendly competition and community impact. ??1st place wins a prize! ??All skill levels are welcome—come for the game and stay for the fun! ?? Register now to secure your spot! Sign up today and let’s hit the court! ??

CYC is featured in the latest issue of Good Grit Magazine! ?? A huge thank you to Christiana Roussel for crafting this incredible article on how we’re empowering future leaders in Charlotte, NC. ?? Check out the full story below! ?? ??

I am happy to announce the creation of SHINE, an all women’s group, at Carolina Youth Coalition. This past Friday, we had our very first meeting which we had several icebreaker activities. Overall, the meeting was extremely successful and I cannot wait for the next one! Thank you to my wonderful board and advisors Catherine Jimenez, MSW, Shekinah Campbell, Jahleesa Black, and Salwa Abukar. As well as a special thank you to Aaron Randolph and Carolina Youth Coalition for giving us the opportunity to make it happen.

?? We’re just ONE week away from wrapping up our 100 Heroes in 100 Days Campaign, and we need more Heroes like YOU! ?? As a CYC EmpowerMentor, you’ll have the opportunity to: ?? Guide a senior Fellow through their final year of high school ?? Assist with navigating the college application process ?? Help your mentee discover potential schools and early career pathways ?? Create a lasting impact on a Fellow's future and help turn their dreams into reality Ready to make an impact? Visit https://lnkd.in/gRQUfsJW to learn more about becoming an EmpowerMentor today! ??

?? Donor Spotlight of the Month: Goodwin Meissner Family Foundation ?? This February, we're proud to highlight the Goodwin Meissner Family Foundation (GMFF) for their incredible support of CYC and our Fellows. Through the Last Dollar Scholarship, GMFF helps students bridge the gap between the total cost of attendance and available financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and low-interest loans. For 6 years, their dedication has been crucial in empowering our Fellows, awarding over 50 scholarships that have significantly helped cover the cost of their undergraduate degrees. Additionally, GMFF offers CYC Alumni Fellows the opportunity to participate in the Goodwin Meissner Alumni Fellowship, gaining valuable work experience at CYC while receiving financial support for graduate school prep, test fees, travel, and professional development. Alumni Fellows Ngoc Le, Hazel Whyte, Jaela Agee, and Gloria Nzuzi have received support from the Fellowship program throughout their postgraduate journeys and continue to make great strides in both their academic and professional career paths. Thank you, Laura Meissner, Mike Meissner, and Todd Meissner, for your dedication and for lightening the financial burden of college expenses, enabling our Fellows to thrive. ?? #EveryDreamNeedsATeam

Mentorship isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about helping others find their own.???? After relocating to Charlotte and seeking new opportunities for volunteer and community involvement, Stephen Young became a CYC mentor. Since then, he has consistently led by example, meeting Fellows where they are and offering personalized support throughout their high school and college journey. Since 2019, Stevie has mentored with CYC, guiding students through the college application process with valuable advice and encouragement every step of the way. By sharing his own educational and professional experiences, he helps students overcome challenges while offering inspiration and motivation. Through a genuine interest in his mentees' lives, Stevie learns about their individual aspirations, struggles, and strengths, allowing him to provide tailored support. Stevie finds mentorship “rewarding and full of growth,” highlighting how working with Fellows from start to finish helps him “understand what the younger generation faces on a day to day,” fostering personal awareness and empathy. Through Stevie’s guidance and CYC’s support, mentees like Abel Adem now attend Wake Forest University on a full-ride scholarship. Stevie’s first mentee, Puspanjali Gurung, a proud Furman University graduate, now gives back by volunteering as a CYC mentor alongside Stevie, working together to make a lasting impact. ???? Stevie's story is just one of many that illustrates the value of giving time and guidance to the next generation of leaders. Ready to guide a CYC Fellow toward success and empower students like Abel and Puspanjali? Visit https://lnkd.in/gRQUfsJW to learn more about becoming a mentor today! ?? #EveryDreamNeedsATeam

?? Ever wondered how a game of pickleball can change a student's future? Join Carolina Youth Coalition’s Young Professionals Board for Paddles for a Purpose, a pickleball tournament and networking event supporting first-generation and under-resourced college Fellows through CYC’s Persistence Program. ?? Saturday, March 22, 2025 ? 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM ?? Tipsy Pickle, Camp North End 100% of proceeds go toward helping students stay on track for college and career success. CYC’s Persistence Program provides vital resources—travel assistance, technology, dorm supplies, and career development—to ensure students succeed through graduation. Grab your paddle, have some fun, and make an impact. ?? Check out the event details below and sign up today!

Volunteer Appreciation Game Night was a total win! ????? We had a blast bringing together our amazing volunteers who make CYC’s mission possible for a night filled with fun, gratitude, and friendly competition! From exciting rounds of Bingo, Poker, Connect Four, and more, to great food, drinks, and music, the evening was full of energy and excitement. It was a wonderful reminder that true community and connection flourish when we come together to celebrate one another. A huge thank you to all of our incredible volunteers for your unwavering support—you are the heart of CYC! And a special thank you to CBI for providing the perfect space to make this event unforgettable! ???? #EveryDreamNeedsATeam

The first-ever Crescent Coalition Leadership Summit is in the books! This enriching day brought together?leaders, professionals, and passionate advocates from across the coalition to engage in?meaningful conversation, build community, and?collaborate on shaping the future of education and college readiness. United by a shared mission to improve Charlotte’s economic mobility through enhancing pathways for college and career success, this year’s summit provided a vibrant space for discussing critical challenges and opportunities in education, ultimately strengthening our ability to support students in Charlotte and beyond. ???? Throughout the day, attendees participated in engaging group discussions, thought-provoking panels, and hands-on workshops, all centered around pivotal educational topics. From easing students’ transitions from middle school to high school to guiding them from college to their careers, each conversation provided valuable takeaways. We also delved into the complexities of the FAFSA application process and the broader landscape of financial aid, offering tools and advice to help students and families navigate these essential steps. A special thank you to George Metz, Jr. for being this year’s keynote speaker and sharing powerful insights on how we can maximize value and create opportunities for the next generation of leaders. This event was made possible through the generous support of the Equitable Foundation, this year’s Presenting Sponsor. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the following panelists and facilitators who contributed to the success of the summit: - Alex Lowe Turner and Michelle Norwood, Student U - Allison Pudlik, M.A. and Derrick Everhart, Queens University of Charlotte - Chemere Davis, Microsoft - Jessica Kim and Sydney Gallup, University Career Center at UNC Charlotte - Timitra Hildebrand-Jones (she/her/hers), Albemarle Corporation Together, we’ve built a strong foundation for a brighter tomorrow, and we’re excited to continue our work in transforming and empowering the future of education. ?? #CrescentCoalition #Charlotte #UpwardMobility #EconomicMobility

Happy Black History Month! ?????? Each February, we proudly honor the incredible legacy of African Americans who have shaped our history and continue to drive change today. Their courage, resilience, and contributions inspire progress across every field, fostering a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future for all. This month, we're excited to congratulate our incredible Executive Director, Aaron Randolph, for being named one of “The Great 28” by QCity Metro. This recognition shines a spotlight on 28 Black leaders in Charlotte who are helping to make the city a better place to live, work, and play! Thank you to all community members, organizations, leaders, and individuals who continue to uplift and support the lives of African Americans, making a lasting impact on our world. Check out the full article below to learn more about Aaron and other inspiring leaders making a difference in the city! ??? ?? #EveryDreamNeedsATeam