Three Questions is a new Next Stage series. Over the coming months, we will feature social good leaders from across the region who are partnering in new and innovative ways to create big community change.

1. Tell us about Carolina Youth Coalition’s proudest accomplishment last year.

Our proudest accomplishment this past year is successfully pivoting and deepening the services we provide to keep our “Fellows” on track to college success and our families stable during the course of COVID. From Spring 2020 to Spring 2021, the numbers of students we served nearly doubled. We were able to find creative ways to maintain the sense of community that is the hallmark of our program while also leveraging support from funders like the United Way and Honeywell to provide critical wraparound support to Fellows and families through such an uncertain time.

This successful transition is evident in our year-end results from last school year. 66% of our seniors last year are attending 4-year colleges debt free this Fall and 96% of our College Fellows have remained enrolled in college throughout the pandemic.

2. Carolina Youth Coalition is a nonprofit, but it’s mission is also highly applicable to the private sector. Why should companies care about your mission?
CYC’s mission sits firmly at the nexus of economic mobility and talent development. We specifically work with highly motivated students who are from lower-income families and are often the first in their family to attend college. These students can realize immense potential, both academically and occupationally, if they have access to the right set of tools and networks to successfully complete postsecondary education and enter the workforce ready to contribute to society. CYC’s role is to ensure that this pairing happens.
Our success leads to not only a healthier local economy and community but also provides the next generation of talent to lead the workforce of the future. Every company should be looking to hire CYC Fellows!
3. How can Carolina Youth Coalition actively support the needs or well-being of employees?
 
Employee volunteering can lead to happier employees who have a more positive outlook on the company and their peers. Volunteering is also associated with higher levels of physical and mental health.

We can support these needs by partnering with companies to design a range of volunteering experiences that are mutually beneficial to the goals of CYC and the company. Most importantly, these experiences, from mentoring to one-time engagements, give employees an opportunity to utilize their talent and social capital to make an impact on their community and the next generation.

Stay Connected with Carolina Youth Coalition
Website: https://www.carolinayouth.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinayouthco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolinayouthcoalition/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carolina-youth-coalition/