Gifting Bites
Press Release 6/26/20
PERTH AMBOY – In its first year of participation, a Youth Entrepreneurship Program (“YEP”) participant of the School Based Youth Services Program (“The Base”), a program of The Jewish Renaissance Foundation (“JRF”), earned first place in the regional competition of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (“NFTE”). Competing against 25 other programs throughout New York, and as the only New Jersey Program represented, Charlize Leon, a rising junior at Perth Amboy High School presented the winning plan for Gifting Bites, a mobile app which allows businesses to “gift” food items that would otherwise be disposed of to Non-Profit Organizations or consumers in need. In total, the YEP program had three submissions from four students in the regional competition. All three submissions scored in the top 10.
For the 2019-2020 school year, The Base partnered with NFTE and Perth Amboy High School to develop YEP for Perth Amboy High School Students. YEP is a program which helps high schools’ students develop an entrepreneurial mindset as they build and test their own business ideas. Lead by School Based Staff members, the eight-month program provided 15 high school youth with the opportunity to meet weekly and explore how to solve problems as entrepreneurs, learn how to provide business solutions to programs, and focus on developing the knowledge the students would need to succeed in business. The YEP participants also had an opportunity to participate in a Youth Entrepreneurial Conference held at Microsoft Headquarters in New York City back in 12/12/2019.
The 2020-2021 school year will be the 20th anniversary for School Based Youth Services Program at Perth Amboy High School. A program of the Jewish Renaissance Foundation and funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, The Base is in its 19th year. The Base has provided support to thousands of Perth Amboy High School students by providing a variety of services, which include, mental health support, career development/exploration, college preparation, and community service.
The NFTE program is an international non-profit organization providing entrepreneurship training and education programs to young people from low-income urban communities. Based in New York City, NFTE focuses on developing the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in postsecondary education, advanced career training and/or immediate entry into jobs with a meaningful career path.
Precious Ojeda (Program Assistant for School Based Youth Services) “My experience with NFTE solidified my purpose. My initial thought was that teaching certainly wasn’t my calling. However,
I soon realized that teacher was a simple title but it encompassed so much more. It was a vehicle that allowed me to utilize my creativity to connect with my student’s innovative thoughts. The fusion of our collective talents and hands on opportunities birthed amazing ideas and projects. The culmination of their excellence resulted in business plans that literally took my breath away. I never imagined that our first year would yield presentations of such caliber. Therefore, submitting multiple presentations and seeing all three make the top 10 was beyond comprehension. I have shared this journey and witnessed their collective and individual growth and development. Watching what they have learned in the classroom translated into a
screen, was such a proud moment. However, nothing will compare to the pride and admiration I felt when I heard Charlize’s name called as the 1st place winner. My NFTE students were the catalyst I needed to catapult me to what may lie next in my professional career, thank you for an indelible experience!”
The Jewish Renaissance Foundation (JRF) is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization founded by individuals who feel compelled to act upon the teachings of the Jewish faith. With two federal designations: as a Community Action Agency and as a Federal Qualified Health Center, we believe as citizens in a democratic society, we must respond to the needs of our neighbors and share our talents and resources. The JRF is committed to helping individuals/families become healthier and stronger. We believe in changing lives by creating hope and self-sufficiency, and we succeed by providing individuals, children and families with essential health and human services, community development and youth programs. Our life-improving services extend across all cultures and faiths, regardless of economic status. We are so proud of not only, Charlize Leon, but all of the participants of NFTE.
