Success Institute Scholarship Recipients
Success Institute was founded to assist young adults who are at-risk and need support to fulfill their potential. Located in Rancho Cucamonga, the Success Institute serves young adults ages 18-24 throughout San Bernardino County. The organization connects youth to leadership opportunities, community connections and education.
Success Institute partners with the Career Institute and other organizations that provide career services. When other organizations do not have the funding, Success Institute fills the gaps by providing services to young adults pursuing a brighter future. The organization connects these youth to mentors and to educational opportunities they may not believe they can achieve.
“We provide services to youth that are homeless, in foster care, suffering from mental health issues, and financial insecurities,” the organization’s Board President Becky Kemp said. “We believe it is the mission of organizations like ours to lift up this population and provide hope and a path to greatness.”
Success Institutes’ College Guidance and Success Program helps participants navigate a pathway to a college education. College and Career Specialists work with students to build the skills they need to succeed and assist them with creating a career path, enroll in college and apply for financial aid.
Success Institute listens to the needs of those it serves, addressing challenges that may not be obvious. Mentors noticed that the holidays were especially hard on parents in the career programs. To address this, the organization launched Christmas Angels, which raises funds to provide items that would help adults continue with their career pursuits and toys for their children.
The organization also partners with the Career Institute to provide scholarships to exceptional participants in the program. The organization holds an annual event that honors the recipients as well as mentors, employers, and community members who support these youth and their participation in the program. On average, the organization awards 20 scholarships a year.
This level of assistance can change the course of participants’ lives, according to Kemp. One of these success stories is Georgia Burckel who was told that she shouldn’t apply to college because of a learning disorder. After connecting with the Career Institute and receiving a scholarship from the Success Institute, Burckel went on to pursue a master’s degree and is planning to become a guidance counselor at a community college so that she can encourage others.
Success Institute’s Leadership Connection program, which is funded by the Willmas Foundation through the Inland Empire Community Foundation and private donations, helps shape the future of local young adults the tools. Through connecting with community leaders, developing an understanding of local career opportunities and developing skills, participants in the program are given the encouragement to seek careers locally.
Success Institute is an all-volunteer organization and needs partners that can offer funding, support, and opportunities for youth.
“Our supporters give knowing we will pass these funds on to those very most in need, giving them the support to become the leaders they dream of being with support and mentoring from our programs,” Kemp said.
Community members wishing to support these programs can visit the organization’s website. Success Institute also welcomes new partners who can introduce students to their profession, provide a tour of their operations and share their path to leadership.
“Support for these young adults will build a stronger community and connection to them staying and using their talents in the Inland Empire,” Kemp said, “Through our leadership programs young adults are taught to find a mentor and be a mentor.”
More information: https://www.sinow.org/ or (909) 481-0270
This story originally appeared in the Press Enterprise, May 2022.
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