The Equity Project Foundation
Creating Equitable Oppurtunities
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For youth and communities through design, programming, development and events.
Equity Project Initiatives
The following initiatives have been developed and executed by the EPF!
YES and YES Kickback
These initiatives are a transformative experience designed to empower the youth of urban communities through conversations around equity, inclusion, and social entrepreneurship. Our team of experts in youth engagement, teaching and learning, social emotional learning (SEL), with substantial experience in college and career readiness and advocacy, will facilitate workshops and discussions that inspire, challenge, and nurture the young minds of today.
Year to date in 2024 the YES has impacted over 2,000 youth across the state of Maryland, covering over 10-15 topics ranging from mental health, social justice, community advocacy, and other creative and career opportunities. 97% of attendees say they would attend another event and over 85% of the attendees at the YES Kickback events have learned information that was impactful to their lives.
Youth Entrepreneurship Network (YEN)
The YEN are a group of youth who have businesses already. The EPF provides resources, training, events, programming, and funding opportunities foe YEN members. Since 2022, we have expanded the network to 16 YEN members, with two YEN members working in the business with the organization as consultants. YEN members also work as advisors for youth programming offered by EPF around entrepreneurship.
Our educational programming components are based around digital equity and entrepreneurship. EPF programs consist of Design Portal, Loyalty is Love clothing internship, Brand Design Programming. We have also built an entrepreneurship camp and Entrepre-Hustler programming to help cultivate a generation of openminded thinkers and builders that can build, grow, and sustain communities from the inside out. We have hosted 2 YEN summits, 4 YEN pop up showcases and have generated close to $7,000 in sales for youth business. EPF has allowed for youth to vend at huge events in Baltimore City like the AFRAM which gathers over 10,000 attendees over a3-dayevent.
Equity Ecosystem
Creating an ecosystem within communities across the states that connects grassroot organizations, youth leaders, and equity funders together to directly impact the next generation.
Vine Street Garden Project
As the Vine Street Garden project matures; it has the potential to catalyze broader economic development opportunities within the community. For example, the success of the pop-up food space may inspire the creation of permanent food-related businesses or social enterprises, generating additional job opportunities and income streams for residents.
Moreover, the skills and experience gained through participation in the project can enhance individuals’ employability and economic stability over the long term. The VSG project will deepen social connections and foster a sense of collective responsibility for community well-being. Through ongoing programming, events, and activities, the garden will continue to serve as a hub for social interaction, cultural expression, and civic engagement, strengthening social cohesion and resilience in the face of future challenges.
Entrepreneur - Hustler
The Entrepreneur-Hustler program is deeply community-focused, building on the existing strengths and assets of young residents while addressing the specific needs within the community. By providing youth with entrepreneurial skills, marketing concepts, design knowledge, brand development tools, social impact strategies, and public speaking abilities, the program empowers participants to create businesses that directly benefit their neighborhoods. This approach fosters local talent, encouraging sustainable community development from within.
Additionally, Entrepreneur-Hustler is resident-driven, involving community members throughout the project’s development and implementation stages. By engaging young residents in the design and operation of their own business ventures, the program ensures that the ideas and solutions reflect the real needs and aspirations of the community. This collaborative model not only strengthens project relevance but also increases participant ownership and commitment to positive outcomes.
Finally, Entrepreneur-Hustler is designed to engage community members and build connections by fostering networking and collaboration opportunities. Through these interactions, participants form valuable relationships with local businesses, mentors, and peers, creating a supportive ecosystem for their entrepreneurial endeavors. By equipping young people with practical skills and encouraging active community engagement, the program shows great promise for a positive, lasting impact on both participants and their communities
