Giving a Hand Up to Youth Through: Social Enterprise Program

Abstract

In the past year, adults of the Lake Hills neighborhood have expressed discontent about the growing rate of low grades, school drop out, and engagement in high-risk behaviors among young adults; while young adults have complained that they are not given enough places to belong and express themselves. Most researchers agree that both grievances deserve attention, but nothing has been done to address all those needs. The purpose of this thesis project is to explain the challenges and the solutions that Jubilee REACH and the Lake Hills neighborhood is encountering with young adults between the ages of eleven and sixteen. The paper addresses the research that was conducted, the results, and the solution towards a holistic social enterprise program for young adults at Jubilee. The social enterprise program is just one solution to the problems reported by the adults and youth, but it encourages future replication and partnerships with others organizations and communities. A grant proposal and fundraising plan is submitted to further explain how it would be run, financed, and staffed.