Shameka Beaugard, a dynamic force in the realm of social entrepreneurship, has dedicated her life to nurturing the potential of young individuals through her nonprofit organization, Youth With a Purpose (YWAP). Her journey and the profound impact of YWAP underscore the significance of empowering the next generation. Shameka Beaugard’s commitment to youth empowerment is deeply rooted in her personal experiences and unwavering belief in the potential of every young person. Raised in an environment where community support was
vital, Shameka witnessed firsthand the transformative power of guidance, mentorship, and opportunities. Her early encounters with mentors and community leaders instilled in her a passion for giving back and a vision to create a platform where young people could thrive.
Founded in 2020, Youth With a Purpose was born out of Shameka’s desire to address the gaps e observed in youth development programs. She recognized that many existing initiatives often overlooked the holistic needs of young individuals, focusing primarily on academic achievements while neglecting emotional, social, and practical life skills. YWAP was designed to bridge the gap, offering a comprehensive approach to youth development.
CORE PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES
Youth With a Purpose operates on the principle that every young person deserves access to resources and opportunities that foster their growth into well-rounded, confident, and capable adults. To this end, YWAP has developed a range of programs that address various aspects of youth development:
- Mentorship Programs: YWAP’s mentorship programs pair young individuals with experienced mentors who provide guidance, support, and encouragement. These relationships are pivotal in helping youth navigate challenges, set goals, and achieve their aspirations.
- Leadership Development: Recognizing the importance of leadership skills, YWAP offers workshops and training sessions that focus on building confidence, public speaking, decision-making, and teamwork.These programs are designed to prepare youth to take on leadership roles within their communities and beyond.
- Educational Support: YWAP provides tutoring and academic support to ensure that students excel in their studies. The organization also offers college preparation workshops, helping students with applications, scholarships, and navigating the transition to higher education.
- Life Skills Training: Beyond academic success, YWAP emphasizes practical life skills such as financial literacy, time management, and career planning. These skills are essential for young individuals to thrive in the real world.
- Community Engagement: Encouraging a sense of community and civic responsibility, YWAP involves youth in various community service projects. These initiatives not only benefit the community but also instill in a sense of purpose and belonging in the participants.
IMPACT, ACHIEVEMENTS, AND FUTURE VISION
Over the years, Youth With a Purpose has significantly impacted numerous young individuals, enabling them to excel academically, develop strong interpersonal skills, and emerge as community leaders. Participants credit YWAP’s holistic programs for their personal and professional success. As the organization looks forward, Shameka Beaugard is set to expand its reach with new initiatives like a YWAP scholarship fund, virtual mentorship programs for remote areas, and partnerships with schools and businesses. These efforts underscore her commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders. This ongoing evolution of YWAP stands as a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership and its capacity to address the complex needs of youth, thereby strengthening communities. To delve deeper into Shameka’s inspiring journey, her latest book, “Don’t Get It Wrong,” published in November 2023, is available on Amazon.
Leam more about Youth With a Purpose at youthwapurpose.org
