PROPEL

PROPEL - People Reaching Out to Provide Education and Leadership - was founded in 2004 by a small group of Boca Raton businessmen and community leaders to support the educational achievement and leadership development of the area's less fortunate youth. Boca Raton boasts a median household income of $71,468, which is: 35% greater than Palm Beach County as a whole and 51% greater than that of Florida However, over 90% of our youth come from households with an average family size of 6+ and an average income of less than $29,244 -just 41% of the City's average. Most of our kids live in the most economically depressed areas in and around Palm Beach County, virtually all residing in Section 8 housing throughout the area. Since the beginning of the 2015-16 school year, Propel has grown in size tremendously. Propel is now serving an average of 80 students weekly and currently holds a waitlist for those that have taken interest in THE HUB. To support this growing interest, we have moved into a more sizable location and are bringing in more resources. Propel has moved from a 800 sq. ft. office, serving an average of 20 students a day in 2014 to a 8,000 sq. ft. facility where PROPEL's HUB has expanded to include an educational center with classrooms, meeting rooms, a full commercial kitchen, and a computer lab. PROPEL was granted two passenger vans, filling a critical need at our organization- transportation of our youth to and from the center so they can participate in our programming. Over the past 5 years, we have given out $130,000 in college scholarships. This past year we have connected over 20 of our student leaders with employment opportunities. What our customers say. "Being a Propelian is showing you care about your future by preparing for it now. It is also stepping out your comfort zone and allowing others to help create your path."