Game Changers

The Game Changers Program

This program was created to help strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit in our communities by providing programs that inspire young people to stay in school, to recognize business opportunities, and to plan for successful futures. The program is open to rising high school seniors every year and features monthly enrichment seminars and networking opportunities from local business leaders over the course of 8 months.

How does the Game Changers Program work?

Participants

Program participants meet one Saturday per month from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m for a total of eight months.

Saturday Program

Each Saturday program includes enrichment seminars led by local business leaders that focus on specific aspects of entrepreneurism.

Game Changers

Game Changers have the opportunity for direct interaction with local business leaders during each meeting.

The Program

Throughout the program, Game Changers work in groups to develop business plans unique to their own goals and objectives.

Business Expo

At the end of the eight-month program, participants use the plan  they’ve developed to build a presentation for the programs’ culminating Business Expo.

Feedback

Attended by Foundation board members and local business leaders, the business expo allows participants to present their business plans and gain valuable feedback.

Before You Apply - Application Eligibility

To apply for The Herndon Game Changers Program Scholarship:

The following must apply to you:

  • 11th-grade student currently enrolled in a metro Atlanta high school.
  • In good standing with a minimum of a 2.5 GPA.
  • We advise reading the information below before you start your application so you can be fully prepared.
Important Items to Gather for your Application:
  • High school transcript – There is no need to upload, email, mail, fax, or submit in any other fashion a copy of your transcript. While completing the application, you will be asked to type in your specific grades since your freshman year and their course levels. Having your transcript nearby will help you fill in this information.
  • Contact info – The names, email addresses, and phone numbers of your guidance counselor and principal.
  • Extracurriculars – You will be asked about school and non-school related clubs and organizations in which you have participated since your freshman year as well as any corresponding leadership positions.
  • Academics – Please provide a list of honors and awards that you received when participating in school and non-school related clubs and organizations and the level of each award (local, state, regional, or national/international) since your freshman year.
  • Community engagement – Which volunteer organizations have you served with and how many hours have you served with each? Be sure to include any awards and honors that you have received for your participation since freshman year.
  • Employment – Your complete employment history including employment duration and average hours worked per week. If hours varied from summer to school year employment, please be sure to note the difference for each.
The application process also includes:
  • Successful completion of the essay portion of the application.
  • Submission of parent/guardian and a minimum of three recommendation forms.

Celebrating Participant Achievements

On Saturday, May 11th the 2019 class of Herndon Game Changer Entrepreneurship Training Program received over $40,000 in scholarship awards toward achieving their entrepreneurial dreams. Scholarship recipients were sponsored through the two-year program by Atlanta Life Insurance Company, Atlanta’s oldest Black Legal Reserve Company.

Become a Corporate Sponsor

To become a corporate sponsor for the Herndon Game Changer Program, please call (404) 581- 9813. Alternatively, you can also email the Program Director, Julissa Smith.

Are you a local business owner? We’d love your support!

Community leaders, members, and businesspersons who support the Herndon Game Changers Program with a financial investment are doing their part to:

  • Further the impact of entrepreneurship among the next generation.
  • Co-create entrepreneurship opportunities as a viable career option.
  • Introduce youth to brand through entrepreneurship.
  • Create a lasting legacy of an entrepreneurial culture by helping today’s youth understand they have an option to shape their future.