The current educational system is not working for all students. The one-size-fits all curriculum, delivered in large institutional settings lacks relevance, does not engage higher order thinkers, and does not adequately address the socio-economic and learning differences presented by millions of students. This is causing a national drop out rate of 30% - 50%, falling academic rankings worldwide, and the repeating of at-risk behaviors by disenfranchised youth.
The solution: Lightfoot Industries, a hybrid social enterprise that provides entrepreneurial training for teenagers. We use a for-profit restaurant, retail line, and innovative curriculum to model social, environmental and fiscal responsibility.
LEARN: A four year supplemental program, the Academy will be based on a whole-systems approach to learning and the three R's: RIGOR - RELEVANCE - AND RELATIONSHIP. The framework for the academy will include high school accredited course work, project-based learning and seminars in the following main areas:
- Personal Wellness Communication
- Sustainable Professional Development
- Fiscal Responsibility
- Mentoring
- Service Learning
EARN: Students will start their education on an organic farm their first year, work in the restaurant their sophomore - senior year, attend regular classes and seminars, and complete a year long placed apprenticeship in their chosen career pathway. student's seminar hours will be matched with dollars and accrued all four years. Our students will leave Lightfoot Industries with a strong work ethic, marketable job skills, life skills, a clear career pathway, and funding for continued education.
EAT: We're creating a restaurant concept that will feature locally sourced organic dishes served family style, with an emphasis on healthy and affordable cuisine. Soul food for a new generation really. And although the restaurant will function first and foremost as a for-profit restaurant - it will be a living lab for our students and a controlled environment to teach work skills.
BUY: Our retail line will initially offer t-shirts, jams, chutneys, and other products from the restaurant; but watch us grow. We're shooting for a whole Lightfoot line associated with the restaurant, our students and a healthy lifestyle. The retail line adds revenue streams, creates brand-awareness, and career and learning pathways; over time, in conjuncture with the restaurant, we hope to self-sustain the Life-Skills Academy.
REPEAT: Our goal is to upscale nationally after a four (4) year proof of concept. We think the Lightfoot Industries methodology, once honed, can bring sustainable vocational training and excellent, affordable food - to strategic communities throughout the United States.