The Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization has been awarded the BRAVE/R Together 76104 Community Grant for its work impacting the lives of residents in the 76104 ZIP code.
In 2019, a study by UT Southwestern determined that residents in the 76104 ZIP code have the lowest life expectancy in the state of Texas so Maroon 9 took charge with community efforts and educational programs to combat the dubious distinction.
BRAVE/R Together awards grants to support their pathways of education, healthcare, housing and business/economic development in an effort to build health equity in 76104 and extend life expectancy for its residents.
Maroon 9 was one of 44 grant applicants and one of 14 grant awardees. Each recipient received a sum ranging from $5,000-$20,000 and Maroon 9 was the only applicant awarded the max grant sum. The grant proceeds aid the continuation of the Maroon 9 Summer Enrichment Program which provides teens with unmatched learning opportunities.
Each summer, ShaVonne Davis, Maroon 9 President & Executive Director facilitates a free two-week summer program for local youth. The program provides access to workshops in Fine Arts, STEM, Life Skills, college readiness and career choices. Workshops are hosted by various local community organizations including Acting With Mrs. Davis, Plant the Seed Financial Literacy, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and The Prep Factory College Planning.
Over the course of two weeks, students engage local professionals and community leaders. Other program perks include a daily catered lunch. Higher education is a major aspiration for many attendees, so Maroon 9 became intentional about making college readiness an integral part of its summer programming. The 2023 summer camp will expand to include an Atlanta, GA HBCU college tour for select participants.
Many historic colleges and universities are within walking distance of each other, and the students have the opportunity to walk the campuses where history makers gained their world-changing education. A history maker in her own right, ShaVonne Davis is a proud alum of the prestigious Clark Atlanta University, also located in Atlanta and part of the Maroon 9 HBCU College Tour.
Any student or parent with interest in the Maroon 9 Summer Enrichment Program should contact Mrs. Davis at: sdavis@maroon9.org.
Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization is grateful for the award to further its mission to provide programs and opportunities to keep teenage youth away from juvenile crime and aware of the many options for life after high school. Maroon 9 has expressed immense gratitude to BRAVE/R Together and United Way for this grant. We are braver, bolder, and better together and with this grant, Maroon 9 is assured of great success in its programs this year an the years to come.