Rocketown of Middle Tennessee, Inc.
Programs
Budget
$253,000.00
Description
Rocketown Productions offers FREE, engaging, and constructive programs during the "DANGER HOURS"-a time when youth are most at risk of involvement in crime, violence, and substance abuse. Caring mentors inspire and encourage youth through attraction-based activities such as dance, music recording, art, eSports, media/video, skateboarding, raves, talent shows, family meals and more. Events like Open Mic Nights, Rocketown's Got Talent and Battle of the Bands provide platforms for local aspiring musicians and performers to showcase their passions and learn how to promote themselves as artists.
As young people feel safe and comfortable, students are invited to participate in group discussions, programs and services that instill in them life skills such as self-awareness, good health habits, leadership, communication, socialization, and collaboration. They are empowered with tools and resources needed to make good decisions about their future that develop important life and career skills.
Category
Youth Development - Youth Development, General/Other
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
At-Risk Populations
Minorities
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$253,000.00
Description
Rocketown Productions offers FREE, engaging, and constructive programs during the "DANGER HOURS"-a time when youth are most at risk of involvement in crime, violence, and substance abuse. Caring mentors inspire and encourage youth through attraction-based activities such as dance, music recording, art, eSports, media/video, skateboarding, raves, talent shows, family meals and more. Events like Open Mic Nights, Rocketown's Got Talent and Battle of the Bands provide platforms for local aspiring musicians and performers to showcase their passions and learn how to promote themselves as artists.
As young people feel safe and comfortable, students are invited to participate in group discussions, programs and services that instill in them life skills such as self-awareness, good health habits, leadership, communication, socialization, and collaboration. They are empowered with tools and resources needed to make good decisions about their future that develop important life and career skills.
Category
Youth Development - Youth Development, General/Other
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
At-Risk Populations
Minorities
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
Budget
$113,000.00
Description
SNL invests in the minds, bodies and hearts of youth in MDHA communities, strengthening all of us together for a better Nashville. SNL strives to bring together former rivals, confront violence, and change lives.
Rocketown hosts & supervises skate & dance competitions, and vocal performances usually between the hours of 3pm to 6pm, which have been dubbed the dangerous hours when students are victims or involved in crime. This type of program, has been used in LA County, and has seen the crime rate drop by 72% in areas where SNL takes place. Rocketown would like to offer hope to the next generation in a fun, safe and exciting atmosphere with a positive message of anti-drug use, a healthy lifestyle (get active), diversity and inclusion
Rocketown piloted Summer Night Lights in 2021 in the Sudekum Community with the help of MDHA. Over 900 students participated, over 800 students were fed, over 200 pairs of shoes were given away, and hundreds of students' summers were productive and safe
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
At-Risk Populations
Minorities
Program Areas Served
MDHA Communities
$113,000.00
Description
SNL invests in the minds, bodies and hearts of youth in MDHA communities, strengthening all of us together for a better Nashville. SNL strives to bring together former rivals, confront violence, and change lives.
Rocketown hosts & supervises skate & dance competitions, and vocal performances usually between the hours of 3pm to 6pm, which have been dubbed the dangerous hours when students are victims or involved in crime. This type of program, has been used in LA County, and has seen the crime rate drop by 72% in areas where SNL takes place. Rocketown would like to offer hope to the next generation in a fun, safe and exciting atmosphere with a positive message of anti-drug use, a healthy lifestyle (get active), diversity and inclusion
Rocketown piloted Summer Night Lights in 2021 in the Sudekum Community with the help of MDHA. Over 900 students participated, over 800 students were fed, over 200 pairs of shoes were given away, and hundreds of students' summers were productive and safe
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
At-Risk Populations
Minorities
Program Areas Served
MDHA Communities
Budget
$40,000.00
Description
COLLEGE & CAREER is an exciting new program at Rocketown that supports high school students who are underserved and marginalized by preparing them for post-secondary success in their academic and career journeys. Through grade-specific forums and mentorship, this program seeks to BREAK THE CYCLE OF POVERTY in their family by equipping students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to navigate high school successfully and make informed decisions about their future. The program addresses specific topics like GPA, study skills, career exploration, college selection, scholarships, and application strategies.
Through personalized guidance and individual attention, the program empowers students with the knowledge and resources to excel academically. With comprehensive support from professionals and positive adult MENTORS, economically disadvantaged students are inspired to pursue their College & Career aspirations beyond high school.
Program Successes
N/A. This is a new initiative
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
Economically disadvantaged people
At-Risk Populations
Long-term Success
With a goal of engaging 80 students, the initiative aims to achieve a 95% GRADUATION RATE, 60% of students progressing to HIGHER EDUCATION, surpassing the existing MNPS (Metro Nashville Public Schools) rates, and successful JOB PLACEMENTS for students entering the workforce within 60 days.
Short-term Success
We hope to engage 80 high school students during the school year, for a total of 80 students. This would be a significant accomplishment.
Program Success Monitored By
Success will be measured by the number of students who are committed to the program with improvements in grades and ACT scores.
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$40,000.00
Description
COLLEGE & CAREER is an exciting new program at Rocketown that supports high school students who are underserved and marginalized by preparing them for post-secondary success in their academic and career journeys. Through grade-specific forums and mentorship, this program seeks to BREAK THE CYCLE OF POVERTY in their family by equipping students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to navigate high school successfully and make informed decisions about their future. The program addresses specific topics like GPA, study skills, career exploration, college selection, scholarships, and application strategies.
Through personalized guidance and individual attention, the program empowers students with the knowledge and resources to excel academically. With comprehensive support from professionals and positive adult MENTORS, economically disadvantaged students are inspired to pursue their College & Career aspirations beyond high school.
Program Successes
N/A. This is a new initiative
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
Economically disadvantaged people
At-Risk Populations
Long-term Success
With a goal of engaging 80 students, the initiative aims to achieve a 95% GRADUATION RATE, 60% of students progressing to HIGHER EDUCATION, surpassing the existing MNPS (Metro Nashville Public Schools) rates, and successful JOB PLACEMENTS for students entering the workforce within 60 days.
Short-term Success
We hope to engage 80 high school students during the school year, for a total of 80 students. This would be a significant accomplishment.
Program Success Monitored By
Success will be measured by the number of students who are committed to the program with improvements in grades and ACT scores.
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
Budget
$21,520.00
Description
If funded, this program will invite under-resourced middle and high school students to become VOICES OF CHANGE by giving them a platform through performing and visual arts to share their passions in ways that will inspire justice, equality, and social transformation while providing messages of HOPE and positive choice.
Through a series of creative initiatives, young people in Nashville will connect with their communities, express their unique perspectives, and stimulate positive ripples that extend far beyond their own lives. Rocketown will create spaces where teens can explore and express their creativity through various art forms, allowing them to spark important conversations about the issues that matter most to them. With the support of the community, this new program can help these teens turn their talents into influential tools for advocacy and hope for positive change.
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
At-risk youth
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$21,520.00
Description
If funded, this program will invite under-resourced middle and high school students to become VOICES OF CHANGE by giving them a platform through performing and visual arts to share their passions in ways that will inspire justice, equality, and social transformation while providing messages of HOPE and positive choice.
Through a series of creative initiatives, young people in Nashville will connect with their communities, express their unique perspectives, and stimulate positive ripples that extend far beyond their own lives. Rocketown will create spaces where teens can explore and express their creativity through various art forms, allowing them to spark important conversations about the issues that matter most to them. With the support of the community, this new program can help these teens turn their talents into influential tools for advocacy and hope for positive change.
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
At-risk youth
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
Budget
$100,000.00
Description
Skaters are excellent critical thinkers and problem-solvers, which is valuable in all aspects of life. New research has shown skateboarding also improves mental health and the executive brain function for focus. It reduces stress, fosters community and helps build diverse relationships and resilience. Nashville's only indoor skatepark at Rocketown hosts regular competitions to recognize skater improvements, private lessons, classes and summer camps, professional demonstrations, and Skate Church. The Sixth Avenue Skate Team reaches thousands of students at schools, churches and community events to showcase their skills and provide positive choice/anti-drug messages.
For most people skateboarding is an expensive venture with average cost of a low-end skateboard around $100, plus the cost of safety gear. Scholarships ensure that all youth, regardless of economic situation, can participate in everything Sixth Avenue offers, especially the benefit of improved mental health.
Beneficiaries
At-Risk Populations
K-12 (5-19 years)
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$100,000.00
Description
Skaters are excellent critical thinkers and problem-solvers, which is valuable in all aspects of life. New research has shown skateboarding also improves mental health and the executive brain function for focus. It reduces stress, fosters community and helps build diverse relationships and resilience. Nashville's only indoor skatepark at Rocketown hosts regular competitions to recognize skater improvements, private lessons, classes and summer camps, professional demonstrations, and Skate Church. The Sixth Avenue Skate Team reaches thousands of students at schools, churches and community events to showcase their skills and provide positive choice/anti-drug messages.
For most people skateboarding is an expensive venture with average cost of a low-end skateboard around $100, plus the cost of safety gear. Scholarships ensure that all youth, regardless of economic situation, can participate in everything Sixth Avenue offers, especially the benefit of improved mental health.
Beneficiaries
At-Risk Populations
K-12 (5-19 years)
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
Budget
$45,000.00
Description
Simply put, esports is organized competitive GAMING events with adult coaches, teams, leagues, and tournaments. Esports creates a new viable path to college for students who may never have considered higher education. Millions of dollars in COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS are awarded annually to students from over 170 colleges and universities to play competitive esports, according to the National Association of College Esports. College recruiters are plucking athletes from online gaming platforms and high school esports teams. Students who wish to earn college scholarships through competitive gaming, Rocketown provides FREE ACCESS to high-end gaming equipment and top-tier internet connections that are necessary for students to compete at collegiate level.
"Esports is here to stay and should be embraced," said Chris Heintz, head publisher of High School Esports League, the oldest and biggest of the esports companies. "If colleges are offering scholarships, our kids should be competing for them."
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
At-Risk Populations
Minorities
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$45,000.00
Description
Simply put, esports is organized competitive GAMING events with adult coaches, teams, leagues, and tournaments. Esports creates a new viable path to college for students who may never have considered higher education. Millions of dollars in COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS are awarded annually to students from over 170 colleges and universities to play competitive esports, according to the National Association of College Esports. College recruiters are plucking athletes from online gaming platforms and high school esports teams. Students who wish to earn college scholarships through competitive gaming, Rocketown provides FREE ACCESS to high-end gaming equipment and top-tier internet connections that are necessary for students to compete at collegiate level.
"Esports is here to stay and should be embraced," said Chris Heintz, head publisher of High School Esports League, the oldest and biggest of the esports companies. "If colleges are offering scholarships, our kids should be competing for them."
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
At-Risk Populations
Minorities
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
Budget
$35,000.00
Description
Rocketown staff help teens succeed in school and in life. Before teens can focus on their future, their basic needs must be met. RAMP ensures no teen goes hungry by serving hot meals Monday-Friday throughout the year. Cooking classes are incorporated to encourage the development of sustainable healthy eating and living habits. A free weekly family dinner meal is offered at Rocketown on Thursdays for all young people and their families. Special holiday meals, including Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners serve over 300 meals to families in need. Assistance with healthy meals continues to be critical to the overall wellness of area youth who lack access to adequate food. Once this basic need is met, students are invited to participate in programs and services that develop important life and career skills (e.g. healthy lifestyle choices, collaboration, volunteerism, civic engagement, etc.) in creative ways. As we provide nourishment for the stomach, hearts open for nourishment to the soul.
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
At-Risk Populations
Minorities
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$35,000.00
Description
Rocketown staff help teens succeed in school and in life. Before teens can focus on their future, their basic needs must be met. RAMP ensures no teen goes hungry by serving hot meals Monday-Friday throughout the year. Cooking classes are incorporated to encourage the development of sustainable healthy eating and living habits. A free weekly family dinner meal is offered at Rocketown on Thursdays for all young people and their families. Special holiday meals, including Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners serve over 300 meals to families in need. Assistance with healthy meals continues to be critical to the overall wellness of area youth who lack access to adequate food. Once this basic need is met, students are invited to participate in programs and services that develop important life and career skills (e.g. healthy lifestyle choices, collaboration, volunteerism, civic engagement, etc.) in creative ways. As we provide nourishment for the stomach, hearts open for nourishment to the soul.
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
At-Risk Populations
Minorities
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
Budget
$25,000.00
Description
It's harder than ever to be a teenager. Teens are struggling with the age-old questions of identity, self-image, and acceptance along with anxiety, depression, addictions, and the pressures of today's society. Teens need hope, unconditional love, and a safe place. But some students need more support than this.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 15-24. Nearly 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide and 9% have tried to take their lives. 37% of high school students report feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Rocketown sees evidence of this daily.
With support from The Counseling Center, the Memorial Foundation, Ingram Charities, HCA Foundation, and others, Rocketown offers FREE counseling and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) groups to ensure teens receive hope, healing, and a consistent support system. Both individual and group counseling remain vital lifelines, giving students HOPE for the future and preventing countless suicide attempts.
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
People with substance use disorder
At-Risk Populations
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$25,000.00
Description
It's harder than ever to be a teenager. Teens are struggling with the age-old questions of identity, self-image, and acceptance along with anxiety, depression, addictions, and the pressures of today's society. Teens need hope, unconditional love, and a safe place. But some students need more support than this.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 15-24. Nearly 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide and 9% have tried to take their lives. 37% of high school students report feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Rocketown sees evidence of this daily.
With support from The Counseling Center, the Memorial Foundation, Ingram Charities, HCA Foundation, and others, Rocketown offers FREE counseling and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) groups to ensure teens receive hope, healing, and a consistent support system. Both individual and group counseling remain vital lifelines, giving students HOPE for the future and preventing countless suicide attempts.
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
People with substance use disorder
At-Risk Populations
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
Budget
$45,000.00
Description
Out-of-school programs offer instruction and practical experience in performing and creative arts such as songwriting, audio and video production, modern dance, music lessons, and visual arts. Small group sizes allow youth to learn a craft and express themselves while being mentored by caring and creative adults. All-ages music venues provide after school and weekend entertainment that is safe and supervised. Events like Open Mic Nights and Battle of the Bands provide platforms for local aspiring musicians and performers to showcase their passions and learn how to promote themselves in a more professional arena.
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
At-Risk Populations
Minorities
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$45,000.00
Description
Out-of-school programs offer instruction and practical experience in performing and creative arts such as songwriting, audio and video production, modern dance, music lessons, and visual arts. Small group sizes allow youth to learn a craft and express themselves while being mentored by caring and creative adults. All-ages music venues provide after school and weekend entertainment that is safe and supervised. Events like Open Mic Nights and Battle of the Bands provide platforms for local aspiring musicians and performers to showcase their passions and learn how to promote themselves in a more professional arena.
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
At-Risk Populations
Minorities
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
Budget
$27,250.00
Description
We believe all youth should have the chance to know Christ. We offer them a place where they may explore their faith while engaging in positive activities. Our methods are very innovative to reach at-risk teens.
FAMILY DINNER: Students & families enjoy a meal, while community leaders share an impactful message of hope.
SKATECHURCH: Offers skaters pizza and a message of hope with Biblical principles.
WISDOM&EATS: A cereal buffet sparks discussion topics relevant to teens, allowing students to explore their beliefs/passions/convictions.
STUDENT NIGHT LIGHTS: Takes the hope of the gospel into nearby neighborhoods. Rocketown brings a festival of free food & dynamic activities to neighborhoods that have lost hope. This also gives them activities during what has been dubbed the "dangerous hours" when students often become victims of crime or involved with drugs or gangs.
RAVES: A party where 1000+ students rave until late night. Then Rocketown shares the gospel in a culturally relevant way.
Beneficiaries
At-Risk Populations
Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
Minorities
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$27,250.00
Description
We believe all youth should have the chance to know Christ. We offer them a place where they may explore their faith while engaging in positive activities. Our methods are very innovative to reach at-risk teens.
FAMILY DINNER: Students & families enjoy a meal, while community leaders share an impactful message of hope.
SKATECHURCH: Offers skaters pizza and a message of hope with Biblical principles.
WISDOM&EATS: A cereal buffet sparks discussion topics relevant to teens, allowing students to explore their beliefs/passions/convictions.
STUDENT NIGHT LIGHTS: Takes the hope of the gospel into nearby neighborhoods. Rocketown brings a festival of free food & dynamic activities to neighborhoods that have lost hope. This also gives them activities during what has been dubbed the "dangerous hours" when students often become victims of crime or involved with drugs or gangs.
RAVES: A party where 1000+ students rave until late night. Then Rocketown shares the gospel in a culturally relevant way.
Beneficiaries
At-Risk Populations
Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
Minorities
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
