Our Mission

Mission Statement

Our mission at Sharp Futures is to empower and uplift young men and women in middle and high schools through mentorship, mental health support, and personal development, all within the unique setting of school-based barbershops. We aim to provide a nurturing environment where students can build self-esteem, receive guidance, and develop the skills necessary for future success.

Vision

We envision a future where every young person, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to positive role models, mental health resources, and personal development opportunities. By embedding our barbershops within schools, we create safe, supportive spaces that foster holistic growth and prepare students to become confident, capable leaders in their communities.

Goals

Sharp Futures Goals

Establish and Expand School-Based Barbershops

Short-Term Goals

  • Successfully operate barbershops at Newburg Middle School, West End School and Tates Creek Middle School.
  • Open two additional barbershops in local middle or high schools within the next year.

Long-Term Goals

  • Expand Sharp Futures barbershops to ten schools within five years.
  • Develop a scalable model to implement barbershops in schools nationwide.

Provide Comprehensive Mentorship Programs

Short-Term Goals

  • Implement structured mentorship programs in each barbershop, pairing students with dedicated mentors.
  • Conduct bi-weekly mentorship sessions focusing on academic support, personal development, and career guidance.

Long-Term Goals

  • Develop a mentorship curriculum that can be replicated in all Sharp Futures locations.
  • Train 100 new mentors over the next three years to ensure consistent, high-quality support for students.

Promote Mental Health and Well-Being

Short-Term Goals

  • Partner with local mental health professionals to provide counseling and workshops.

Long-Term Goals

  • Integrate mental health education into the school curriculum in collaboration with educators.
  • Reduce stigma around mental health issues among students, encouraging open discussions and seeking help when needed.

Foster Personal Development and Leadership Skills

Short-Term Goals

  • Organize quarterly workshops on leadership, self-esteem, and life skills.
  • Engage students in community service projects to develop a sense of responsibility and community involvement.

Long-Term Goals

  • Create a leadership development program that students can participate in throughout their middle and high school years.
  • Track the progress of students involved in Sharp Futures, aiming for measurable improvements in self-confidence, academic performance, and leadership abilities.

Engage and Support the Community

Short-Term Goals

  • Build strong relationships with local businesses, community organizations, and families to support Sharp Futures’ mission.
  • Host community events to raise awareness and funds for the program.

Long-Term Goals

  • Establish a community advisory board to ensure the program meets the evolving needs of students and the community.
  • Achieve financial sustainability through diverse funding sources, including grants, donations, and corporate partnerships.

Measure and Communicate Impact

Short-Term Goals

  • Implement a system to regularly collect and analyze data on students' academic progress, mental health, and personal development.
  • Share success stories and program impact through quarterly reports and community updates.

Long-Term Goals

  • Conduct annual evaluations of Sharp Futures programs to continually improve and adapt our services.
  • Publish an annual impact report to demonstrate the effectiveness and reach of Sharp Futures, attracting further support and investment.
Through these goals, Sharp Futures aims to create a transformative experience for young people, equipping them with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to thrive both in school and beyond.