Market Research Report: Raising Expectations Inc.

Background

Overview

Raising Expectations Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to empowering youth in crisis by elevating academic, social, and civic expectations to facilitate high school graduation and post-secondary plans.

Mission and Vision

The organization's mission is to provide a 360-degree approach to youth development, focusing on personal and life skills development, tutoring, mentoring, STEM exposure, college preparation, and hands-on learning to improve college readiness.

Primary Area of Focus

Raising Expectations primarily serves youth in Atlanta's underserved communities, including Decatur, East Lake, Pittsburgh, Vine City, English Avenue, Washington Park, and the Westside of Atlanta.

Industry Significance

As a 501(c)(3) organization, Raising Expectations plays a crucial role in addressing educational disparities and providing support to at-risk youth, contributing to the broader nonprofit sector's efforts in youth development and education.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Elevate academic, social, and civic expectations for youth in crisis.

Facilitate high school graduation and post-secondary plans.

Provide holistic support addressing social, academic, and mental needs.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Personal and life skills development.

Tutoring and mentoring.

STEM exposure.

College preparation.

Hands-on learning experiences.

Key Technologies Utilized

While specific technologies are not detailed, the organization employs educational tools and platforms to enhance learning experiences, including digital literacy courses and virtual program adaptations.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Raising Expectations focuses on underserved youth in Atlanta, particularly those from low-wealth households and Title 1 schools, aiming to bridge educational gaps and provide support for successful academic and personal development.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Total Funds Raised: In 2023, the organization reported total revenues of $1,156,197.

Recent Funding Rounds

Specific details about recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

The organization has received grants from various foundations and nonprofits, including:

Sartain Lanier Family Foundation: $150,000

Westside Future Fund: $100,000

Zeist Foundation: $100,000

Additional grants from other foundations totaling over $200,000.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are utilized to support various programs, including:

Project DREAM (5th-8th grade): Over 252 hours of out-of-school time programming.

Project STEMWARE (9th-12th grade): Over 270 hours of STEM-focused activities.

Social Discovery Fieldtrips and mentoring: Over 70 hours of weekend activities.

Digital literacy courses enhancing technological skills.

Support services for families, including rental and utility assistance.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

As a nonprofit organization, Raising Expectations does not have a product pipeline but focuses on program development and service delivery.

Stages of Development

Program implementation and ongoing support for youth from middle school through post-secondary education.

Target Conditions

Educational disparities among underserved youth.

Lack of access to quality mentorship and tutoring.

Limited exposure to STEM fields and college preparation resources.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Continuous program evaluation and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

While specific proprietary technologies are not detailed, the organization utilizes educational tools and platforms to enhance learning experiences.

Significant Scientific Methods

Digital literacy courses to enhance technological skills.

Program evaluations to assess and improve service delivery.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

Maria Armstrong: Co-founder and Co-Executive Director. With over 30 years of experience in youth, education, and community development in Atlanta, Maria has been instrumental in designing strategies that align with Raising Expectations’ mission to provide marginalized youth with a pathway out of poverty. She is a founding member of the Washington Cluster Advocacy Group and of Westside READY (Revitalizing Education And Development of Youth), a collaborative multi-agency strategy focused on improving outcomes for youth on Atlanta’s westside.

Tangee Allen: Co-founder and Co-Executive Director. A dedicated advocate for youth and community development in Atlanta, Tangee has worked alongside Maria Armstrong to create and develop the nonprofit youth development organization into the award-winning program and resource it is today. She has also worked for local government for over nine years and has been recognized by a variety of organizations and has received a host of community awards from the City of Atlanta, Spelman College, Enterprise Foundation, Morehouse College, and the WB Channel 36.

Faith Porter: Director of Operations. An educator, researcher, and activist, Faith holds degrees in International Studies and Spanish from Spelman College. She has years of classroom experience and has served in various roles, including Classroom Teacher, Grade Level Chair, Learning and Development Trainer, and Success for All Reading Trainer. She is passionate about child advocacy and is committed to using her skills to assist Raising Expectations in the fulfillment of its mission.

Terese J. Lackley: Director of Programs. With extensive experience in education, administration, strategic planning, budgeting, and accounting, Terese has been deeply involved in the educational sector since 1992. She has served in various roles, including Classroom Teacher, Grade Level Chair, Learning and Development Trainer, and Success for All Reading Trainer. She has also been a Certified Director since 2009.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The nonprofit sector in Atlanta, particularly in youth development and education, is competitive, with numerous organizations aiming to address educational disparities and support underserved communities.

Competitor Analysis

Carteret Smart Start: Located in Morehead City, NC, with annual revenues of $793,997.

Communities in Schools Southeast Texas: Based in Beaumont, TX, with annual revenues of $2,805,364.

Communities in Schools of Petersburg: Located in Petersburg, VA, with annual revenues of $1,071,374.

Take Stock in Children of Broward County: Based in Plantation, FL, with annual revenues of $440,247.

Building Bright Futures State Advisory Council: Located in Williston, VT, with annual revenues of $2,873,789.

The Joshua Group: Based in Harrisburg, PA, with annual revenues of $2,369,212.

The Harris School: Located in Houston, TX, with annual revenues of $1,421,287.

Communities In Schools of New Mexico: Based in Santa Fe, NM, with annual revenues of $2,317,895.

Spring Initiative: Located in Clarksdale, MS, with annual revenues of $1,429,863.

Center for Inclusive Child Care: Based in Minnetonka, MN, with annual revenues of $1,723,633.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Raising Expectations collaborates with various community organizations, schools, and foundations to enhance its programs and extend its reach. Notable partnerships include: