Spring 2021 ALL In is a wrap! In this last session of our three-part pilot, 100+ scholars and 25 coaches, representing 7 affiliates plus our first non-BHGH affiliated school group, ended the program strong with 16 individual project groups.
During the first few weeks of the journey, members of each group considered their individual social identities, reflected on how their families’ lived experiences affect their world view, and identified a community need they are passionate about on which to focus their efforts. Over the course of five weeks, teams investigated problem root causes, sought out related work already attempted, solicited stakeholder support, and pitched proposals in front of social impact investors who helped bolster their proposals, before implementing an action plan to help mitigate the difficulty.
ALL In is a true showcase in teamwork, as it takes many hands to get the job done. Spring projects included awareness building, education, and relief efforts in the areas of underfunded schools/supply drive, childhood poverty, domestic violence, violence against women/femicide, teenage pregnancy, sex education, education for girls, drug addiction, classism, racial discrimination/hate crimes, gentrification, and homelessness.
An amazing group of professionals guided and inspired project teams each week, including 1992 Guatemalan Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Rigoberta Menchu Tum; Google Technology Transformation Advisor, Chris Richardson; Cisco Systems Sales Executive, Kassie Davey; Shark Tank Contestant Winner, Akeem Shannon; BET Networks President of Media Sales, Louis Carr; NASA Senior Technologist for the Entry System Technologies, Ethiraj Venkatapathy; Vice President for Mission at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, Father Chris Collins, SJ; Director of Corporate Development at World Wide Technology, Inc., Juanita Logan; and Entrepreneur/Founder of Seguros Antigua insurance brokerage company in Guatemala, Benito Barillas.
ALL In Scholars and Boys Hope Girls Hope Team Members interact with Louis Carr, President of Media and Sales at BET
Eleven weeks following commencement, project groups shared what they learned about themselves and about their project’s impact. Scholar participants appreciated the opportunity to interact with others from around the world and to learn that their struggles are not their own, but rather shared with others. Personal growth and a new appreciation for different populations was a mutual theme.
Scholar participants appreciated the opportunity to interact with others from around the world and to learn that their struggles are not their own, but rather shared with others.
Many groups expressed gratitude toward their coaches, the support from Network Headquarters, and the opportunity to be part of an effort to give back where they could see firsthand the positive difference that they instigated. The pride, grace, humility, and appreciation expressed for one another is truly heartwarming.
Join us on our next ALL In journey to witness firsthand the change Boys Hope Girls Hope is making in our world!
Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Rigoberta Menchu Tum shares some important words of wisdom with our scholars.