Mommy & Daddy's Little Angels Youth And Family Services Inc. OutDoors Field Trip

Project Title:
Youth Empowerment through Travel: Mental Wellness and Career Exploration Explorational Program

Submitted by:
Mommy & Daddy’s Little Angels Youth and Family Services Inc.555 McClean Avenue, 4BStaten Island, NY 10305(212) 380-6989 | www.mdlayafsinc.comEIN: 80-0340449

Donation Goal: $150,000.00

Project Overview:

The Youth Empowerment through Travel: Mental Wellness and Career Exploration Summer Program is a comprehensive summer initiative designed for 30 underserved adolescents (ages 13–15) from marginalized communities, including youth from foster care, group homes, Title I schools, and families impacted by HIV/AIDS. These youth are not eligible for New York City's Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) due to age restrictions, leaving a gap in access to structured, enriching summer programming.

This initiative integrates academic exposure, career exploration, mental wellness, and social-emotional learning with immersive travel experiences. The program will take place across July and early August 2025, culminating in fall educational excursions to sustain impact and engagement.

Statement of Need:

Adolescents from historically marginalized communities face disproportionate barriers to academic success, mental health support, and career pathways. Without access to meaningful enrichment programs, many experience social isolation, reduced academic confidence, and lack of exposure to future opportunities. Travel-based learning offers a transformative opportunity to develop critical thinking, self-confidence, and leadership skills through new experiences outside their immediate environment.

This program addresses those inequities by offering an alternative model rooted in healing, exploration, and empowerment.

Program Objectives:

To provide 30 underserved youth with a structured, travel-based summer enrichment experience

To expose youth to colleges, career sectors, and entrepreneurial thinking

To support mental wellness through trauma-informed mentorship and peer connection

To build educational confidence and curiosity through cultural immersion and guided learning

Program Features:

A. Career and College Exploration

Visits to college campuses to demystify higher education pathways

Interactive workshops with professionals across industries

Business forums teaching youth the fundamentals of nonprofit and entrepreneurial development

B. Cultural and Educational Excursions

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Great Wolf Lodge, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

NY Aquarium, South Street Seaport, and boat tours

Capital tours in Washington, D.C., and NYC historical landmarks

C. Social-Emotional Learning and Mental Health Support

Daily group mentoring and resilience-building sessions

Recreational bonding activities: bowling, skating, themed dining

Safe spaces for peer connection, self-reflection, and growth

D. Community Partnership Integration

Supervision and programming support from local nonprofits and youth development leaders

Ongoing engagement with families to foster intergenerational wellness

Funding Request and Budget Use:

Total Request: $150,000

$45,000: Charter bus rentals, public transit, and group transportation

$30,000: Admissions to museums, theme parks, cultural landmarks

$20,000: Meals and dining experiences throughout the summer

$15,000: Custom program materials (t-shirts, hats, journals, backpacks)

$10,000: Photographic services and media documentation

$15,000: Staff coordination, travel supervision, and instructor stipends

$15,000: Fall follow-up educational trips and program sustainability

Expected Outcomes:

100% of participants complete career exploration and college visit activities

85% of youth report increased confidence, emotional resilience, and academic engagement

Development of a year-round pipeline for youth mentorship and nonprofit leadership training

Documented improvement in peer connection, self-esteem, and future goal-setting

Strategic Alignment with Core Program Areas:

Youth & Education Programs: Comprehensive Summer Youth Enrichment Initiative integrating literacy, civic exploration, and personal development

Mental Health Support: Holistic Mental Health and Wellness Initiative for Underserved Adolescents

Transportation Access: Non-Emergency Youth Transportation Network for Safe Travel

Educational Equity: Educational Equity Outreach for Low-Income and Disconnected Youth

Conclusion:

The Youth Empowerment through Travel Program is more than a summer initiative—it is a life-affirming intervention. It offers young people a tangible pathway to hope, wellness, and professional growth. Your support will allow these deserving youth to experience new places, build lasting memories, and develop the skills needed to thrive.

We respectfully request your investment in this vital initiative to ensure no child is left without opportunity, inspiration, or the support they need to rise.

Thank you for your generous consideration.