Every young person has the potential to lead—but not all have the support they need to get there.
I AM Academy is more than a program—it’s a launchpad. We equip students with the tools, confidence, and mentorship to break barriers and build brighter futures.
🚀 Where They Start
Many students join us facing real challenges:
Low self-confidence
Limited positive role models
Instability at home or school
Peer pressure and uncertainty about the future
Sometimes, what they need most is someone to believe in them—someone to show them that their future holds more than they ever imagined.
🌱 Where They Go With the Right Support
With structure, encouragement, and hands-on tools, our students grow—and they rise:
From Self-Doubt to Confidence Through leadership exercises and one-on-one mentorship, students begin to trust their abilities and step into leadership roles. 👉 71% (149 of 209 students) reported a stronger understanding of integrity, teamwork, and collaboration.
From Reacting to Thriving Emotional regulation is life-changing. With a focus on self-awareness and coping skills, 👉 95% (199 of 209 students) identified their triggers and developed strategies for self-control.
From Falling Behind to Moving Forward Whether it’s improving grades, building respectful relationships, or setting long-term goals: 👉 90% (188 of 209 students) reported positive behavior changes—like completing responsibilities without being asked and showing respect to teachers. 👉 40% of students made measurable reading gains in the 2023–24 school year.
💬 Student Spotlight: Quynh’s Story
Once shy and reserved, Quynh found her voice through I AM Academy. Now a high school graduate, she’s a confident leader preparing to pursue a medical degree at the University of South Florida.
💥 Real Impact. Real Change.
I AM Academy is more than lessons—it’s transformation in motion. Our students are stepping into leadership, making better choices, and believing in themselves. They’re choosing kindness over conflict. They’re setting goals—and achieving them.
When young people are given the right tools, they rise. And when they rise, entire communities grow stronger.
Now providing services on the following Manatee County campuses:
Bayshore Elementary | Braden River MS | Daughtrey Elementary | Lee Middle | Manatee Elementary | Rogers Elementary | Sugg Middle
Now providing services on the following Sarasota County campuses:
Alta Vista Elementary | Cyesis | Innovation Academy SRQ | Phillippi Shores Elementary | Tuttle Elementary | Truly Valued Administrative Office (High School only)
At Truly Valued, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to grow, express themselves, and succeed. This summer, our literacy program did just that—empowering youth through reading, writing, and creative exploration.
✅ Program Participation
27 students participated in the program.
100% of participants qualified for free or reduced lunch, highlighting the importance of access and equity in our work.
📈 Measurable Outcomes
79% of surveyed students demonstrated growth in at least two key areas, including reading comprehension, vocabulary, and creative expression.
100% of students who completed the end-of-program survey reported increased confidence in discussing literature, analyzing themes, and presenting ideas—surpassing our original goal of 75%.
100% of surveyed students completed both the reading log and digital challenges, reflecting strong engagement and consistent reading habits throughout the summer.
💛 A Lasting Impact
Beyond the numbers, the connections formed were equally powerful. At the program’s conclusion, several students embraced their instructor in gratitude—an unspoken testimony to the safe, supportive, and inspiring space we created together.
Together, we are building a generation of confident, capable readers and leaders.
Your donation is an investment that changes lives!
