Follow our journey

June 19, 2025

At Project U, every guided conversation, every journaling session, and every inspiring site visit is crafted with deep intention. We're passionate about empowering young people to truly see themselves, find their voice, and shape a future filled with purpose. This isn't just a heartfelt vision; but a program built upon foundational principles that are proven to nurture resilient, confident, and engaged citizens.

In designing Project U, we intentionally align our work with two nationally recognized models: the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program and the comprehensive Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) framework. These guiding lights ensure that our program is not only innovative but also robust, effective, and deeply impactful for young people in Carrollton and beyond.

The Blueprint for Growth: Guided by 21st Century Principles

Across the nation, including right here in Georgia, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program plays a vital role in providing enriching academic and personal development opportunities for students during out-of-school hours. Their mission resonates deeply with the very heart of Project U.

21st CCLC programs are designed to:

• Support academic achievement.

• Offer a broad array of enrichment activities that build on what students learn during the school day.

• Provide opportunities for personal development that foster well-rounded individuals.

This perfectly mirrors Project U's commitment to holistic growth. Our hands-on exposure experiences – from meeting local entrepreneurs to exploring creative industries – directly fulfill the "enrichment activities" objective, opening students' eyes to new possibilities that extend far beyond classroom walls. Our focus on personal branding, public speaking, and vision-setting directly supports the 21st CCLC goal of comprehensive personal development, ensuring our students are not just learning facts, but learning how to thrive intentionally in a complex world.

Nurturing the Whole Child: Our Commitment to Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Beyond academic enrichment, we understand that true success hinges on a child's ability to understand themselves, manage their emotions, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. This is where Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) comes in – a nationally recognized approach to education that helps young people acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.

Every pillar of Project U is infused with SEL competencies:

• Self-Awareness & Confidence: Our journaling and guided conversations are direct applications of SEL's core competency of self-awareness, helping students identify their emotions, strengths, and values. This is the foundation for building the self-management needed for confidence and intentional action.

• Character Development & Voice: Through discussions on values and ethical decision-making, we cultivate responsible decision-making. Empowering students to find their voice through storytelling and public speaking directly enhances their relationship skills and ability to communicate effectively.

• Mentorship & Exposure: These experiences naturally foster social awareness by exposing students to diverse perspectives and community needs. The bonds formed with mentors build crucial relationship skills, offering models for healthy interactions and guidance.

A Powerful Synergy for Lasting Impact

By building Project U on the solid foundations of 21st CCLC's comprehensive enrichment and SEL's focus on the whole child, we ensure that our program is not just innovative but also deeply effective and sustainable. This thoughtful design means we're not just offering an engaging experience; we're systematically cultivating the skills, mindset, and character traits essential for young people to thrive in school, in their communities, and in life.

The joyful transformations we witness in our pilot program – the newfound confidence, the clear visions, the intentional actions – are a direct testament to the power of this integrated approach. We are equipping a generation of young people to lead with purpose, empathy, and an unwavering belief in their own potential.

Your partnership with Project U means investing in a program designed for proven, profound impact, shaping a brighter future for our youth and our community.