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Mission:
There are many youngsters living in the greater San Diego area, who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Among the problems and hurdles facing these youngsters are poverty, exposure to drugs activities in their neighborhoods, high school drop out rates and under-funded schools and unsafe recreational locations. Many of these youths feel they have no place to turn for support and encouragement to continue their education, gain valuable job training and experience, and engage in safe recreational pastimes. The “A Way Out Scholarship and Mentorship” program was created as a way to address some of the unmet needs of these youth in the areas of education, jobs and recreation. It is the vision and passion of Darren and Vickie Carrington, founders of the program, to establish a program whereby they offer scholarships to students who are looking to attend a private High School or college/university. The second component of their program is to provide financial help to those students who desire to be involved in safe programs to help them better themselves athletically, physically, and spiritually; such as: being able to participate in club teams, attend camps, receive job training, or even provide funds to students who need but cannot afford tutoring. There are also a number of students who have enrolled in private schools and no longer can afford it or just need a little assistance, through our “A Way Out” Scholarship & Mentorship program, that student would be able to continue his/her education.
Specific Purposes:
To Provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships and grants to disadvantaged youth desiring an opportunity to attend a private high school and for those wishing to further their education beyond high school. Criteria for awarding such assistance will include outstanding academic achievement, motivation and civic and community service. We would like for the student(s) to be involved in extracurricular activities, such as: Theater, Dance, Music, Athletics, Speech and Debate, etc…showing balance in their life. To develop programs where disadvantaged youth can learn particular job skills under the tutelage of experienced working persons. Examples of areas of job skills training may include secretarial, computers, carpentry, masonry, electronics, plumbing, and automotive mechanics. These programs will provide youth with not only hands on experience, but also networking opportunities.
To organize recreational activities such as basketball, baseball, football, volleyball, and other team building sports where youth from disadvantaged areas can go after school or on weekends to engage in safe fun, under the supervision of an adult who can serve in a role model capacity.
Fundraising Activities:
- The “A Way Out” scholarship and mentorship program will apply for funds available through city, county, state and federal programs, grants to assist at-risk youth from economically and/or socially disadvantaged backgrounds
- The “A Way Out” scholarship and mentorship program will also actively pursue private donations of cash, property, equipment, and other valuables assets usable toward the foundations purpose of providing job training, recreational and education opportunities for disadvantaged youth. Donations may be solicited by means of statements in literature such as “If you are interested in making a tax-deductible donation to A Way Out, please send a check, etc…”
- The “A Way Out” scholarship and mentorship program will host fundraising events such as the Darren Carrington’s Celebrity Golf Tournament, Darren Carrington Fun/Run Walk-a-thon, a celebrity sporting event, dinner auction, or similar events
Darren’s “A Way Out” scholarship and mentorship program is one of Athletes for Education Foundation’s (AFE) programs. AFE is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization made-up of past and present professional athletes, entertainers and community and business leaders. We work hard to serve as positive role models partnering together to help our youth in the community help themselves, by hosting special events and raising funds to benefit community youth programs.
AFE’s objective is to encourage youth to be creative, build bridges instead of walls, and dare to dream. Our goal is to challenge youth to persevere and believe that by developing self-confidence and self-esteem they can make their dreams come true.
To join Daren’s and Vickie’s winning team please call 619-583-4955 for more information.
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