Join us at the 2nd Annual
Stepping into 2025 Banquet: Celebrating Growth & Impact
December 21st, 2024
As the year draws to a close, we are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Stepping Into 2025 Banquet, an evening of celebration, recognition, and anticipation for the future. This special event will honor the achievements of our exceptional youth, celebrate the support of our dedicated community partners, and reveal our exciting plans for 2025.
We are also proud to announce that scholarships will be awarded during the banquet to outstanding students, providing them with the support they need to continue their educational and personal growth. Additionally, all participants will gain access to the Winter Classic games, making this an unforgettable evening.
We are also proud to announce that scholarships will be awarded during the banquet to outstanding students, providing them with the support they need to continue their educational and personal growth. Additionally, all participants will gain access to the Winter Classic games, making this an unforgettable evening.
Reflection:
As we reflect on the transformative year of 2024, we're delighted to share the collective achievements and milestones that define our shared journey. Your unwavering support and commitment to empowerment have been the driving forces behind our success. Here's a recap of our impactful year and a glimpse into the exciting initiatives lined up for 2025:
Pioneers for Change Award
The Pioneers for Change Award is symbolized by the word "Pioneer" to represent the spirit and the commitment to being catalysts for transformative change. Your partnership signifies the importance of being an instrumental force in shaping the future leaders of our community.
Our Commitment
Key Accomplishments of 2024:
Paid Mentorship: This year, we took a significant step forward by introducing stipends for our Pioneers, improving recruitment and service for the youth in our programs.
NeighborShare Partnership: Through our partnership with NeighborShare, we raised $9,200 ($5000 up from 2023) in donations, helping to support underserved communities in Western Massachusetts.
Youth Impact: With the help of our Pioneers, Explorers, and partners, our programs positively impacted nearly 600 young individuals.
Mentorship Growth: We established ten new one-to-one mentorship relationships, and the demand for these impactful relationships continues to grow, with a waiting list showing the increasing interest.
Internship Collaborations: We successfully created five credited internships in collaboration with prestigious institutions like UMass Amherst, UMass Boston, Columbia University, Bowie State, and Holyoke Community College, offering students invaluable learning opportunities.
Milestones & Enhancements for 2024:
Cumulative Mentorship Hours: Our collective mentorship hours have surpassed 2,500, a milestone that demonstrates the sustained impact and commitment of our Pioneers.
Increased Volunteer Engagement: We’ve expanded community volunteer and mentorship hours, reinforcing the deep connections between our mentors and their communities.
Professional Development & Financial Literacy: Regular sessions on professional growth and financial literacy continue to empower our participants, equipping them with essential life skills.
YouthLed Initiatives: Empowering youth is at the heart of our mission. This year, we’ve increased opportunities for young leaders to participate in event planning and fundraising, nurturing their leadership skills.
Upcoming Programs in 2025:
We’re excited to announce a variety of initiatives planned for 2025, including:
Paid Mentorship: This year, we took a significant step forward by introducing stipends for our Pioneers, improving recruitment and service for the youth in our programs.
NeighborShare Partnership: Through our partnership with NeighborShare, we raised $9,200 ($5000 up from 2023) in donations, helping to support underserved communities in Western Massachusetts.
Youth Impact: With the help of our Pioneers, Explorers, and partners, our programs positively impacted nearly 600 young individuals.
Mentorship Growth: We established ten new one-to-one mentorship relationships, and the demand for these impactful relationships continues to grow, with a waiting list showing the increasing interest.
Internship Collaborations: We successfully created five credited internships in collaboration with prestigious institutions like UMass Amherst, UMass Boston, Columbia University, Bowie State, and Holyoke Community College, offering students invaluable learning opportunities.
Milestones & Enhancements for 2024:
Cumulative Mentorship Hours: Our collective mentorship hours have surpassed 2,500, a milestone that demonstrates the sustained impact and commitment of our Pioneers.
Increased Volunteer Engagement: We’ve expanded community volunteer and mentorship hours, reinforcing the deep connections between our mentors and their communities.
Professional Development & Financial Literacy: Regular sessions on professional growth and financial literacy continue to empower our participants, equipping them with essential life skills.
YouthLed Initiatives: Empowering youth is at the heart of our mission. This year, we’ve increased opportunities for young leaders to participate in event planning and fundraising, nurturing their leadership skills.
Upcoming Programs in 2025:
We’re excited to announce a variety of initiatives planned for 2025, including:
- Step Up Fitness (Weekly)
- Steps to Success (Monthly)
- Financial Literacy Sessions (Monthly)
- Girls Unite (Monthly)
- Young Men's Suited for Growth
- Patriots Difference Makers Award
- Art Gallery & Mural Project
- Mrs. Kay's Fashion Show Collaboration
- Bay Path Women's Leadership Conference
- Shooting for Success (2Day Event)
- Hooplandia
- Day of Wellness
- Mentoring Matters 5K
- Women’s Networking Event
- Cultural Steps Taste, Learn & Prosper
- College Tour
- Seasonal Food Drive
- Winter Classic
Relive Last Year's Event
Become a Sponsor
Level |
Contribution |
Benefit |
Banquet Supporter |
$250 |
This level covers the event costs for 10 participants |
Leader |
$500 |
At this level, you provide support for 20 participants. |
Visionary |
$1000 |
The highest tier, which supports an impressive 40 participants and ensures a memorable evening. |