ACADEMY
Supporting Individuals and Community Across Various Counties in Georgia by Providing Education, Resources, Programming, and Assistance for Students and Young Adults with an Exceptional Drive to Succeed.
L.I.F.T. Academy is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Lead . Invent . Fund . Transform .
PROGRAM SUMMARY:
LIFT Academy mentors students and young adults from affluent communities with the capacity to develop life skills through instruction closely tied to STEM (Science – Technology – Engineering – Mathematics). The program will have featured certified professionals, entrepreneurs, and community specialists to provide guidance, insight, sourcing, and proven methods.
OUR IMPACT:
Further develop youth groups ranging from ages (12 – 19) with backgrounds from affluent communities. Build sustainable outcomes from mentorship, sponsorship, and hands-on approach to business from all aspects associated with STEM.
OUR MISSION:
Build a structured entrepreneurship program that focuses on the business field while providing lessons on tactical, practical, thought-provoking fundamentals.
OUR PROFESSIONALS:
Are from a diverse background of community activists, certified professionals, specialists, and mentors. We proudly support the needs, goals, aspirations, and achievable outcomes of our students and young adults.
OUR AFFILIATES': Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, The Ryan Cameron Foundation, Kinetic Energy Consultants LLC., BBA/MBK Wise Kings, 100 Black Men of Atlanta, IBM mentorship Program, City of Atlanta Fire Department, Morehouse College of Business, Kappa Alpha PSI Atlanta Chapter.
ABOUT US
CEO / Founder
Keith Smith
Board Chair
Stacey Woods
Treasurer
Howard Beatty
Program Director
Chet S. Phillips
Secretary
Brianna Brown
Lead . Invent . Fund . Transform .
Program Entry Key Factors:
● Each participant should have a GPA above 3.0.
● Participants actively involved in school programs geared towards their major (or fields of interest)
● Participants should write and complete a thesis paper on achievable goals. (500 words)
● Program will support assisting participants in obtaining above metrics.
Measurable KPI’s: Key Performance Indicators:
● Cohort completion rate: 80%+
● Each participant submits at minimum four constructive feedback reports during the cohort
● Each participant must select a minimum of two fields of business to target progression
● Post-program: 60%+ continue entrepreneurship activity, internships, or education/certification goals
● Mentor involvement: 1 sponsor per session, with minimum posting commitments
● Program window (Twice per month) Saturday’s = 8 actual days = 4 total months in length (two-month break in between sessions)
Lead . Invent . Fund . Transform .
3) Program model: LIFT Academy (Eight bi-week cohort)
Week 1 — Program Identity
Mentor testimonies
Go over program rules & regulations
● Pass out basic guideline handbook
● Establish rapport with participants (expectations)
● Assign first KPI (feedback report) for next session
● Gather goals, inspirations, business acumen requests
Week 2 — Communication
● Discuss forms of communication (written, verbal, email, text) context
● Create opportunities for 1 – v – 1 mock sessions
● Collect data from 1 – v – 1 mock sessions
Week 3 — Problem Solving
● Determine instinct levels (questionnaire to participants)
● Empower participants to think outside the box
● Challenge (separate in groups of three) problem solving scenarios
Week 4 — Analysis
● Utilize core methods (DMADV) (DMAIC)
● Build cross-analysis dialogue
● Test basic forms of analysis
Week 5 — Research & Development
● Search engines
● Books & print
● Peer group and outside sources
Week 6 — Continued Education
● Set goals for achieving required program objectives
● Bring in field experts or community specialists
● Prep Letters of Recommendation
Week 7 — Program Summary
● Overview
● Compiled data feedback
● Founder will oversee group session
Week 8 — Pitch & Catch
● Each participant will present their thesis
● Mentors provide feedback
● Awards + next steps
Program deliverables per participant
● Self-identity: Name, Field of Business, Mission, Program feedback
● 2-4 cohort study assignment completions
● College preferences (minimum 3 Universities)
● Community programs (active participation)
4) Sponsor & Celebrity Mentor Model
Sponsor commitment (simple)
● Each sponsor supports multiple participants during the cohort.
● Sponsor posts: 1 story shoutout per week + 1 feed post during week.
● Sponsor optionally appears at the final showcase.
Optional: friendly competition model
● Create a leaderboard: sponsor-driven engagement and task completion.
● Awards: “Sponsor of the Cohort”, “Most Improved”, “Super Star”, “Best in Class”.
● Public recognition increases sponsor participation.
Phase 1 (option)
Create a LIFT Academy Scholarship Fund within the nonprofit.
● Award educational grants based on clear policy and performance.
● Pay awards directly to qualifying expenses (school, program, certification, supplies).
5) Youth funds: scholarships vs. trusts
Phase 2 option (advanced)
● Partner with a community foundation or financial institution to administer youth accounts.
● Use custodial accounts (UGMA/UTMA) or structured scholarship administration.
Hire specialist counsel before implementing individual trusts.
6) Funding plan: Donations, Grants, Earned Income
Use three pillars so the program is stable.
Pillar A — Sponsorship & donations
$1,500: Sponsor 1 youth participant
$5,000: Sponsor a full cohort module or event
● $25,000+: Title sponsor (branding + media + showcase presence)
Pillar B — Grants
● Target grant categories: youth development, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, arts education, violence prevention.
● Create a simple tracker (attendance, completion, sales, skills gained).
Grant tools
● Instrumental (paid but efficient)
● Grant Watch
● Foundation Directory Online (more expensive)
Pillar C — Earned income
● Selling program-supported merch drops under LIFT Academy.
● Host pop-up showcases with vendor fees.
● Offer paid workshops for schools or partner organizations.
SERVING Metro Atlanta and ALL Surrounding Counties. COBB, DEKALB, FULTON, BIBB, BULLOCH, BARTOW .