Message from Our Principal
Cynthia Spencer
Principal of 137 Community Development Inc
With over 30 years of experience in community development and education, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of a single opportunity. My journey began in local schools, where I witnessed the struggles of families trying to provide basic educational needs for their children. At 137 CDI, we are committed to ensuring that no child is left behind due to financial constraints.
Our mission is simple: to empower, educate, and elevate. We believe that by investing in our children today, we are building a stronger, more resilient community for tomorrow.
Our Organizational Framework
1. Social Problem & Community Need
The primary social problem we address is the educational inequality in North American urban areas, specifically Lawrenceville, GA. Data from local school districts show that over 30% of students from low-income families lack the necessary supplies and tuition support to complete their secondary education, leading to higher dropout rates and limited career prospects.
2. Core Mission
To provide financial assistance, educational resources, and mentorship to underprivileged children, ensuring they have the tools to succeed academically and personally.
3. Long-term Vision (5-10 Years)
We aim to become a leading educational support hub in Georgia, reducing the local dropout rate by 50% and establishing a sustainable model for community-led educational development that can be replicated nationwide.
4. SMART Goals (1-3 Years)
- Provide tuition support to 500 students by the end of Year 2.
- Distribute 2,000 back-to-school kits annually.
- Establish partnerships with 10 local schools for mentorship programs.
5. Beneficiaries
Primary: Children aged 5-18 from low-income households in Lawrenceville. Secondary: Families and local educators who benefit from a more engaged and supported student body.
6. Key Programs & Priorities
- Tuition Assistance Program (High Priority)
- School Supply Distribution (High Priority)
- After-school Mentorship (Medium Priority)
- Community Literacy Workshops (Medium Priority)
7. Theory of Change
Input: Funding, volunteers, educational materials.
Activities: Tuition grants, supply drives, tutoring.
Short-term Results: Increased school attendance and improved grades.
Long-term Impact: Higher graduation rates and economic mobility for the community.
8. KPIs
- Number of students receiving financial aid.
- Average GPA improvement of program participants.
- Volunteer retention rate.
9. Monitoring & Evaluation
We conduct quarterly reviews of student progress and annual community impact surveys. Data is collected through school reports and direct feedback from families using our digital tracking system.
10. Operational Structure
Led by our Principal, our team includes a Program Director, a Volunteer Coordinator, and a Financial Officer, supported by a dedicated board of directors and over 50 active volunteers.
11. Volunteer Strategy
We recruit through local universities and community centers, providing comprehensive training and recognition programs to ensure high engagement and long-term commitment.
12. Resources & Technology
We utilize a cloud-based donor management system and local community centers for our workshops, optimizing costs through strategic partnerships.
13. Financial Model
Initial funding is secured through private grants and community crowdfunding. We are diversifying through corporate sponsorships and annual fundraising events.
14. Sustainability Plan
We are building an endowment fund and developing a "Sponsor-a-Student" recurring donation program to ensure long-term financial stability.
15. Risk Management
Financial: Diversifying income streams to mitigate grant loss.
Operational: Maintaining a robust volunteer pipeline to prevent burnout.