NaoBun Project
Intellectual property management agency.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
N/A | Seed | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
The Gem Project, Inc. is a non-profit organization focused on youth development and social justice, operating primarily out of Newark, New Jersey since 2006. The organization was founded by Amanda A. Ebokosia while she was a sophomore at Rutgers University–Newark, sparked by a family health crisis that motivated her to launch a national awareness campaign. This initial effort grew into a traveling exhibit and subsequently evolved into The Gem Project, which was formally incorporated on October 1, 2007.
The organization's core mission is to champion on-time graduation rates for marginalized youth through a framework rooted in social justice. It serves young people from ages 4 to 24. The business model is that of a 501(c)(3) non-profit, relying on partnerships and donations to fund its programs. The Gem Project's work is concentrated on four main pillars: education, health justice, criminal justice, and democracy. It has been recognized for its work by the White House during the Obama administration, Forbes, and Black Enterprise.com, among others.
The primary offering is a service-based fellowship program that connects high school and college students, empowering them to become community advocates and leaders. This program utilizes a peer-based model involving mentoring, youth organizing, employment, and service-learning to foster civic engagement and leadership skills. Unlike traditional service-learning, The Gem Project's approach encourages a critical examination of systemic issues like race, privilege, and policy to equip fellows for more effective societal impact. Through these programs, which have reached over 2,000 young people, participants gain access to financial awards, employment opportunities, and a supportive community.
Keywords: youth development, social justice, non-profit, peer mentoring, youth organizing, leadership fellowship, community advocacy, civic engagement, at-risk youth, education reform, criminal justice reform, health equity, service-learning, Amanda Ebokosia, Newark non-profit, youth empowerment, high school to college, graduation rates, marginalized youth support, community service