Funds donated to LifeSkills will be used for: 

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Local Impact

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Provide support for youth and young adults in the New Orleans area who are interested in pursuing STEM, STEAM or entrepreneurial opportunities.

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In 2021, LifeSkills hosted its first tech career virtual event, TECHCharge Expo. In 2022, LifeSkills will host the Tech2Talent Career Festival on April 9th in Gretna, LA. Both events are designed to educate the community about tech programs and job opportunities in the region. LifeSkills believes that exposure to technology training is a great precursor to building viable business ventures. Events include free training, job fairs, and grants for local tech programs.

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National Impact

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Provide cash and in-kind resources to youth entrepreneurs who compete in the annual i.Invest Competition. i.Invest is a web-based mentoring program and business competition. During the program, youth entrepreneurs, 13 - 19 years old, with demonstrable products and services will receive:
 

1. On-going mentoring from top business leaders from across the country.

2. Participate in virtual group coaching with their peers. 

3. Compete in three rounds of scoring. 

4. Pitch their products during an annual pitch finale.

Since 2015, i.Invest has awarded close to $50,000 in cash and in-kind prizes to aspiring business leaders across the country. Recipients have used the funding to re-invest in their business, start new businesses and continue to pursue business and STEM-related educational goals. To learn more about the participants, visit the i.Invest Blog.

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i.Invest is a grassroots effort that depends on the contributions of donors to supply the following resources for youth entrepreneurs:
 

• Provide assistance to youth and youth entrepreneurs via grants and scholarships. Starting in 2018, LifeSkills will provide scholarships to i.Invest alumni who are graduating high school seniors or college freshmen who major in a business or STEM-related field.

• Offer virtual and on-site entrepreneurship, financial literacy and personal enrichment training to youth in New Orleans’ underserved communities.

• Promote STEM-related industry engagement.

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To learn more, download the informational document HERE.