It Takes a Community to Start the School Year Strong

A successful school year starts long before the first bell rings. It starts when young people know they have families, mentors, educators, and a community cheering them on. At For a Real Change, we want to be part of that community. Through Jonesville Academy, My Sister is Succeeding, Owner of My Future, and new opportunities we’re introducing this year, we’re helping students build the confidence, skills, and support systems they need to succeed—in school and beyond. And we can’t do it alone. Our volunteers, partners, families, and supporters make this work possible.

Bringing Curiosity to Back-to-School

This year, we joined the 7th Annual Back to School Block Party, coordinated by the BG Freedom Walkers, and brought along something new: The Curiosity Lab.

Instead of simply handing out information, we wanted young people to think, move, practice, and have a little fun before heading back to the classroom. Through interactive activities, students explored ways to celebrate their wins and reset when frustration shows up – because both are important parts of learning and growing.

At least 200 young people participated in The Curiosity Lab, while the block party served 508 children overall.

Five Moves for a Successful Year

We also kicked off our MoveMeant Series with our first webinar, Five Moves to a Successful Year. The conversation focused on practical ways students and families can approach the new school year with intention.

A special thank-you goes to Tyreon Clark, Executive Director of Boys to Men Leadership Group, and Chase Carpenter, Owner of Bundles of Joy and Bundles of Joy Academy, for joining us and sharing their perspectives as part of the five moves.

Bringing the Moves Home

Supporting students also means supporting the people walking alongside them every day. That’s why we’re introducing Family Five, a quarterly resource featuring five meaningful moves families can use at home that connect with the lessons and experiences happening throughout our programs.

These efforts are different, but the goal behind them is the same: surround young people with opportunities to learn, grow, lead, and know that someone is in their corner.

That’s where you come in.

Whether you volunteer, partner with us, share our work, give financially, or simply tell someone else about For a Real Change, you’re helping us build a stronger community around our young people. As this school year begins, we hope you’ll continue making these opportunities possible alongside us.