Legacy Project- Ventura County

The specific problem we are solving is the perpetuation of deeply ingrained injustices, structural oppression in society, and polarization, fueled by stereotypes, economic disparities, limited access to inclusive learning opportunities, and low tolerance for diversity. These have had lasting effects on communities’ equitable growth and youth engagement. In Ventura County, CA, while there are some youth development and employment programs, there is a notable gap in programs that provide comprehensive support for youth. In collaboration with local leaders, our preliminary research indicates that there is no existing program in the county that offers both employment and leadership development while specifically focusing on promoting equity among peers, engaging peer leadership, and fostering anti-oppression and cross-cultural skill development. The county of Ventura has a lot of technology-oriented industries who are one of the main youth employers. We will be engaging young professionals who are pursuing careers in technology and the digital world. 

This gap is significant because it leaves a crucial need unmet: the need for a program that not only prepares youth for employment but also equips them with the tools and mindset needed to challenge and change the systems of oppression that perpetuate inequality in the workforce and beyond. We believe that people are at the root of technology and by equipping people with the right toolkits, we can create inclusive and equitable technologies. By addressing this gap, our program aims to empower youth to become advocates for social justice and equity in their communities. Through employment opportunities, leadership development, and a focus on anti-oppression and cross-cultural skills, we believe our program can contribute to creating a more equitable and inclusive society in Ventura County and beyond.

The Legacy Project is a youth development program that originated in Boston, MA, in 2008, founded by Jamila Batts Capitman and building on the successful VISIONS model. The program aims to equip young leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to address critical issues related to cultural diversity, equity, and social justice.

The program consists of a 5-week immersive curriculum designed for youth aged 14-24, offering a unique blend of leadership development and summer job opportunity experience. Participants engage in a series of modules, assignments, and group activities, including dialogues, and arts-based, and creative activities. One of the program's key features is the collaborative nature of the group work, where participants work together to produce an event that reflects their learning and experiences.

Through the Legacy Project, teens and young adults have the opportunity to develop and enhance skills such as dialogues, facilitation, and leadership, using the proven tools and techniques from the VISIONS approach. They also gain valuable experience in organizing and running interactive community events, further building their leadership capabilities.

The program's curriculum focuses on a range of topics, including history, identity, personal and professional development, social justice, and communicating about systemic racism. By participating in the Legacy Project, youth not only gain valuable skills and knowledge but also contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

The Legacy Project will serve youth aged 14-24 in Ventura County, focusing on equipping them with leadership skills for personal, professional development, and social change. The program is designed to serve a diverse group of participants, bringing together youth from different racial, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds. The intention is to engage youth who are pursuing or interested in careers in the digital world sector (IT, machine learning, digital solutions). 

Ventura County has a population of 842,465, with a demographic makeup of 65% White, 2% Black, 7.6% Asian, and 44.6% Hispanic/Latino. Approximately 13.2% of the population falls within the 15-24 age group. The median household income in Ventura County is $101,407, with 5.45% of the population living in poverty and a 4.3% unemployment rate.

The program impacts the lives of its participants by providing them with valuable leadership skills that are essential for personal and professional development. Through the program, participants learn how to communicate effectively, work collaboratively in diverse teams, and take initiative in driving positive change in their communities.

The project also offers participants a platform to explore and address social issues that are important to them. By engaging in discussions, activities, and projects related to cultural diversity, equity, and social justice, participants gain a deeper understanding of these issues and are empowered to become advocates for social justice.

The Legacy Project will positively impact the lives of youth in Ventura County by equipping them with the insights and confidence to become future leaders and change-makers in their communities.

*Data source Health Matters in Ventura County, which is funded by Ventura County Public Health.

The VISIONS Inc team is comprised of professionals with over 10 years of expertise in youth development and community engagement, reflecting the diverse communities we serve. This diversity within our team is a foundational aspect of our work, contributing to the ongoing efficacy of our programs. Our team members bring a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and lived experiences, ensuring that our model is well thought out and designed to meet the specific needs of the communities we serve.

One of our key strengths is the nonjudgmental environment we foster, where everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences freely. This approach helps participants feel identified and allows them to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts being taught. Additionally, we place a strong emphasis on feedback and continuous improvement. After participants complete our programs, we survey them to gather feedback and suggestions, which we use to refine and enhance our offerings.

Our team's commitment to addressing the specific needs of our communities and the youth we serve is reflected in our approach to program delivery. We constantly strive to stay connected with the evolving needs of our communities and adapt our programs accordingly. This dedication, coupled with our team's expertise and inclusive approach, positions us well to deliver impactful and meaningful solutions to the youth in Ventura County.

We currently have Legacy Projects running in Fresno (CA), New Orleans (LA), and Winthrop & Roxbury (MA). The program is run on a cohort model that runs for 10-12 weeks and provides stipends to youth. This program also includes pre and post development work that includes youth seeking experience in program design. We seek to expand the program to other cities across the country and to our other programs in South Africa, Brazil and the Middle East. 

We are applying to Solve because we believe in their mission to drive social change through innovation and collaboration. Solve offers a unique platform that aligns with our goals of creating a more inclusive and equitable society. By participating in Solve's virtual support program, we hope to overcome several barriers that currently limit our impact.

One of the key barriers we face is financial constraints. Solve's support can help alleviate financial burdens and allow us to invest more resources into our programs and initiatives, ultimately increasing our impact.

Another barrier we face is the need to enhance our technical skills and build a more robust impact measurement practice. The offered tailored capacity workshops and monitoring and evaluation support can help us address this challenge. By improving our technical capabilities, we can ensure that our programs are effective and impactful, leading to better outcomes for the communities we serve.

Additionally, Solve provides curated opportunities to connect and network with impressive peers. This can help us overcome cultural barriers by joining a supportive community of like-minded individuals who can offer guidance and inspiration. Building relationships with other impact-minded leaders can also help us expand our reach and access new markets, opening up new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Solve would help VISIONS in offering the Legacy Project to young individuals in need of skills to excel in today's diverse and dynamic world, mainly in the digital sphere. Learning from other professionals and other solutions will equip them to become change agents in their communities.  

The Legacy Project stands out for its innovative approach to helping youth address the pressing social, political, and economic challenges of our time. In today's world, marked by increasing polarization and inequity, the Legacy Project empowers youth from marginalized and underrepresented communities to become agents of positive change.

The initiative is multifaceted in nature and community-driven. Unlike traditional programs, which often focus solely on education, work empowerment or advocacy, the Legacy Project combines elements of learning, understanding, collaboration, inclusion, and leadership development. This holistic approach ensures that participants not only gain knowledge but also acquire the skills and mindset needed to navigate and transform complex social issues.

One of the key innovations of the Legacy Project is its focus on preserving and amplifying the stories, experiences, and wisdom of marginalized youth. By centering the voices of those most affected by systemic injustices, the project creates a platform for dialogue, healing, and transformation. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on history, identity, personal and professional development, and social justice sets it apart as a comprehensive and forward-thinking initiative.

In essence, the Legacy Project is more than just a program—it's a movement towards a more just, equitable, and peaceful world, led by the voices and actions of empowered youth. These young people are the future leaders/professionals who will reflect on equity in their workplaces and their technology-related careers. 

The Legacy Project is designed to have a transformative impact on young people by empowering them to advocate for systemic change and promoting a culture of peaceful coexistence. By participating in the program, young people not only gain valuable skills and insights but also develop a deep understanding of their current reality through a historical, economic, and psychological lens. These are young people who are professionals or students aiming to play a role in digital solutions and technologic advances. 

One of the key ways our program expects to make an impact is by equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to understand the effects of systemic oppression on individuals and communities over time. This understanding is crucial for fostering empathy, solidarity, and a commitment to social justice among young people. Moreover, our program goes beyond traditional education by emphasizing the importance of experiential learning and peer education. Participants not only learn from educators but also each other, creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.

By empowering young people to become educators of their peers, our program seeks to create a ripple effect of positive change within communities. As participants share their knowledge and insights with others, they help to create a more informed, and socially conscious society and workplace. They will reflect on the implication of this work on the current technology advances and its impact on inclusion and equity. 

Our program aims to empower young people in Ventura County to become agents of change in their communities, workplaces and beyond, ultimately contributing to a more just, equitable, and peaceful world.

Our impact goals for the Legacy Project are centered around empowering youth from marginalized and underrepresented communities to become agents of positive change. That is by providing them with the knowledge, and skills required to successfully navigate their future careers and advocate for structural change. This empowerment includes fostering a deep understanding among youth of their current reality through an intersectional lens, helping them to identify and confront the negative impacts of systemic oppression on their communities. Additionally, we seek to equip participants with leadership abilities so they can become educators and leaders within their communities. We also aspire to create a ripple effect of positive change by encouraging participants to share their knowledge and insights with others.

 To measure our progress towards these goals, we employ a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods. This includes conducting surveys before and after the program to assess changes in participants' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to systemic oppression, advocacy, and leadership. We also hold focus groups with participants to gather in-depth feedback on their experiences in the program and any changes they have noticed in themselves. Additionally, our educators observe participants during program activities to assess their engagement, participation, and growth over time. Through these methods, we can track our progress towards our impact goals and continually improve our program to better serve the needs of youth and communities.

We base our solution on more than 40 years of research into human science and peace building. The educational model is built on multi-disciplinary evidence from psychology to anthropology to social work... We utilize digital tools to reach and empower program participants and our base model is human. 

7 full time

20 contractors/consultants

16 years

Our approach to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into our work is multifaceted and reflects our commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment. One of the key aspects of our approach is ensuring representation across all levels of our programs, including participants, facilitators, and leaders. We strive to reflect the diversity of our participants to create a supportive and inclusive community where everyone feels valued and respected.

In designing and facilitating our learning activities, we prioritize the individual needs of each participant. Our team is skilled in adapting our programs to meet the specific needs of diverse learners, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to develop the skills and support they need to succeed.

Additionally, our program takes a comprehensive approach to addressing inequities that are deeply rooted in the country's history, economic disparities, and social marginalization. Through our curriculum and activities, we aim to raise awareness about these issues and empower participants to become advocates for change in their communities.

To ensure accessibility, all programs are adapted to virtual E-learning modality. Through donations, scholarships, and partnerships, we cover the costs of our offering and provide youth with an honorarium. This commitment to accessibility ensures that youth from diverse backgrounds and with financial barriers have equitable opportunities to attend our training courses.

VISIONS Enterprise operates on a fee-for-service business model, offering training programs that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations, particularly targeting leadership positions. Our pricing is designed to be fair and affordable, ensuring that our programs are accessible to a wide range of organizations and individuals. Additionally, we offer options for those who cannot afford our fees, such as waiving part of the program fee or covering it through donations and scholarships. This commitment to affordability reflects our belief that everyone should have access to high-quality training in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our key customers are nonprofit organizations, companies, government agencies, schools, faith-based organizations, and healthcare organizations that are seeking to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organizations. We provide these organizations with training and workshops tailored to their specific needs, helping them develop strategies and policies that promote diversity and inclusion at all levels.

In addition to our fee-for-service training programs, we also engage individuals through our training and education workshops, webinars, podcasts, and youth engagement programs such as the Legacy Project and Liberation Generation.

Our plan for becoming financially sustainable involves diversifying our revenue streams and leveraging partnerships and collaborations. We aim to generate income through a combination of fee-for-service training programs, grants and donations, partnerships with organizations that share our mission, and revenue-generating events and activities.

To ensure the success of this plan, we will closely monitor our financial performance, regularly review and adjust our strategies as needed, and actively seek feedback from our stakeholders. We will also prioritize building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with our partners and donors to secure ongoing support.

Evidence of our successful financial sustainability plan can be demonstrated through several key indicators. These include:

1. Increased revenue streams: We will track the growth of our fee-for-service training programs, grant funding, and revenue from partnerships and collaborations over time.

2. Diversification of funding sources: We will monitor the proportion of our revenue coming from different sources to ensure a balanced and sustainable funding mix.

3. Financial stability: We will track our financial health indicators, such as cash flow, reserves, and operating margins, to ensure that we are on track to achieve our financial goals.

4. Impact on program delivery: We will assess the impact of our financial sustainability plan on our ability to deliver high-quality programs and services to our target audience.