What is Project Fusion?
Project Fusion is the working name for a new flagship program being developed by Made New Makerspace which will launch in January 2025. In this program, youth will be empowered for their success through long-term support, access to much-needed technology and other resources, and training in essential life skills. The program, which will accept youth between the ages of 16 and 24, will feature weekly sessions that run year-round, giving youth greater odds of success.
Why is it needed?
One of the most significant struggles facing foster and underserved youth today is a lack of the life skills needed to thrive. These skills, ranging from personal to professional, are a critical missing piece in the lives of many teens and young adults who grew up without the support systems that many of us take for granted.
In addition, these youth often do not have access to the resources needed for success. Whether that’s technology like a laptop computer to do schoolwork on, mentors to guide them, or networking connections to help them find opportunities to grow, these youth often come up short.
When you combine these factors, the outcome is tragic. 22% of foster youth who age out of foster care become homeless within their first year of independence. 5% find themselves homeless in their first week on their own. Nearly 50% of foster youth don’t graduate from high school. These are problems that can be solved through the interventions and supports provided by Project Fusion.
Long-term support for better outcomes
Project Fusion is building a long-term program for youth, where they can enter the program and continue on for a year or longer. A recent study revealed that if you engage youth in long-term programming, their outcomes drastically improve. Rates of poverty and homelessness plummet. Likelihood of graduating high school or even college skyrocket. The likelihood of securing stable employment is significantly increased. Even their general health improves.
What the program will offer
This program is being designed to give youth access to critical resources as well as training in the skills they need to thrive. The offerings of Project Fusion can be broken down into three areas:
1. Technology and resources
Every youth who enters this program will begin their journey by receiving a newly refurbished laptop computer. This laptop will allow them to work on schoolwork and give them access to online resources which are a part of our training program. For as long as the youth remains in the program, we will repair or replace their computer whenever needed at no cost.
In addition, youth will receive access to other resources such as networking opportunities with leaders in the community who can help these youth get established. Further, for every semester that a youth successfully participates in the program, they will receive a cash stipend which they can apply to things such as higher education costs or even basic living expenses.
2. Career readiness training
During their involvement with the program, youth will be given training in a variety of career readiness skills. These skills will include soft skill training, hands-on STEM and skilled trade exposure, employment coaching, occupational safety education, and more. Youth will have the opportunity to earn more than 10 valuable certifications which will help them secure employment and succeed as an employee.
3. Independent living skills
Along with everything else this program has to offer, we will also provide youth with life skill education to help them thrive in their personal lives. This education begins with training in our STRONG Life Skills program, where the youth will learn the importance of factors such as having missions and goals, mentors, and the determination to succeed. Beyond this, there will be over 30 different lessons that cover topics such as maintaining a car, scheduling doctor appointments, caring for an apartment, budgeting, and more.