How's this for a socio-economic contribution to society?

Question

Would this make me a hero or a goat?
My philanthropy idea is to create an organization in a small southern state that would counsel high school and JR high kids and their parents about the realities and opportunities available in college education and the job market. I know from experience that such young people are amazingly underserved in this regard -- public schools aren't good about such things. This would ultimately help make the economy more productive, and educate kids about opportunities they might not otherwise come to understand.

But if it works, it might have the effect of encouraging a town's brightest kids to go away to fancy out-of-state schools so as to become Silicon Valley engineers or Wall Street tycoons. So ... would parents like this or hate this? Would I be an enemy for exposing their kids to the notion of abandoning home? Would the powers-that-be locally help me or inhibit me from this? Would this harm the state by encouraging a brain drain?

Gabluesman, I mean "small" as in relatively small population, and small towns. I could also say poor. I'm thinking of my home state Arkansas. Since those orgs you cite clearly accomplish nothing of what I have in mind, I won't waste my time on them. I do know what I'm talking about.

Answer 1

Wow, this is a fantastic question. Personally I think it is a great idea. Coming from an extensive private school background, I don't know just how bad the public school systems really are, but I have heard horror stories about public high school teachers telling their eager-to-learn students that in fact "There will be no opportunities" for them when they graduate, and that they "Will not be accepted into good colleges."

Rather than encouraging a "brain drain," I think you would actually be giving an incentive to your state to be proactive and protect their knowledge resources, and bring more educational opportunities into the state. Align yourself with the right groups, and I think you will have a pretty solid campaign to encourage your state to become competitive with colleges across the country.

Parents will always hate the notion of their kids going away to out-of-state schools, but they get over it. I think they would more appreciate the long-term potential opportunity their child may have more than the short-term sadness of separation.

You should definitely go for it! Best of luck to you, and I hope everything works out!!!

Answer 2

First, there are no small southern states. All the small states are in New England, except for Hawaii, Maryland, and Delaware.

Second, what are you going to say that has not already been said?

Third, such organizations exist already, why are you not aware of them?

I think you need some counseling about the "realities and opportunities" available in volunteering and mentoring.

Try the United Way for information about Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the Boys and Girls Club of America, 100 Black Men, things like that.

Answer 3

the "powers that be" would probably scrutinize your idea, but don't fret. I think a "pay it forward" approach might work. Oprah Winfrey challenged the people of the US to "pay it forward." She offered to supply people with a $1000 gift card to see if they could help people using the ripple effect. Many people responded, some of whom actually turned $1000 into hundreds of thousands of dollars to help the needy. what do u think?

Answer 4

You thought of this all by yourself? I guess none of us cornbread eatin, cousin marrying, banjo pickin, reprobates could have ever come up with this brilliant idea without your help. Thank you so very much oh mighty upper middle class expert. Where should I send my money? Will you take a check?