Battier Take Charge Foundation Annual Report 2023-2024

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ANNUAL REPORT FY 2023/2024

Letter from Shane

Dear Friends and Supporters,

When Heidi and I chose our first Take Charge Scholar, the remarkable Lauren Tarr, we couldn’t have imagined the incredible journey the Battier Take Charge Foundation would take us on. What stands out most after all these years is the overwhelming number of people who have joined us in creating educational opportunities for bright, driven, and creative students. It’s a humbling reminder that, deep down, we all hope to be part of something larger than ourselves. This fundamental human desire has built a community that believes in transforming lives, and I hope, as you read this, you feel a sense of pride for being part of our Take Charge family.

Your role—whether as a donor, mentor, tutor, karaoke singer, pickleball enthusiast, or cheerleader—matters. Every ounce of energy, every word of encouragement, and every dollar given has created ripples that have changed lives. For that, I say from the bottom of my heart, “Thank you!” It truly takes a village to help young people across the country feel supported, loved, and capable of achieving greatness. If you could be there at our retreats, college tours, or check-in lunches, you would witness firsthand the magic you’ve helped create. It’s real, it’s transformative, and it’s rare.

I want to especially acknowledge our incredible partners, like KPMG, The Heckscher Foundation, Lisa and John Chidsey, Connie Frankino, and the Miami Heat Family Foundation, who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us. These friends have not only provided immense financial support but have also believed in our mission and our students from the beginning. They’ve empowered Newell and Hannah to travel the country, ensuring every student feels seen, heard, and cared for.

To our longtime supporters, such as Andrea MacMeccan, who has been with us for over a decade—thank you. Your unwavering belief in us has fueled our growth as we’ve expanded into multiple cities, touching more lives than we ever thought possible.

Whether you’ve been part of Team Take Charge from day one or have just joined the movement, you have a permanent place on our roster. Your support, no matter how big or small, is the reason we can continue to strive for what feels like our own version of a championship. And we couldn’t be prouder or more grateful to have you on our team.

HERE’S TO MANY MORE YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE, TOGETHER.

With immense gratitude,

Take Charge Foundation

Taking Charge, Making Change

GUIDE

Battier Guide Camden is entering its third year, and with it, an expansion into a third class. For the 2024-2025 school year Battier Guide Camden has taken its first class of sophomores. By starting earlier, Take Charge hopes to be able to send Guide Camden students to top, competitive universities. As of June 2024, 30 students have successfully completed the Battier Guide Camden Program, with 100% furthering their education beyond high school.

To date, BTCF has awarded over $420,000 in scholarships to Battier Guide Camden students.

The Battier Take Charge Foundation is excited to announce a transformative $1.4 million grant from the KPMG US Foundation, aimed at expanding educational opportunities for underserved youth. This four-year grant will fund scholarships for up to 20 students annually through the Battier Scholars and Guide Programs, supporting students in Miami, Camden, and Detroit. In addition to tuition assistance, the grant will provide mentorship, leadership training, and networking opportunities to help scholars succeed academically and in their future careers. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and fostering a more equitable future.

GUIDE MIAMI

The Battier Guide Miami Class of 2024 had an incredible year filled with hard work, growth, and success. All 18 seniors from Booker T. Washington Senior High and Miami Central Senior High navigated the college application process, with 100% of them being accepted to a Florida public college or university. Throughout the year, they gained valuable financial literacy skills through workshops on budgeting, scholarships, and financial aid, while also honing their college essays. The group balanced work and play, enjoying memorable experiences like a field trip to the National Business Aviation Association’s Regional Conference and a fun-filled arcade graduation party. As prom season approached, one of our students even went viral for his creative prom look, reflecting the talent and personality within this cohort. Ultimately, 94% of the class enrolled in college, while one student, chose to pursue a career in the armed forces (with college to come later). Guide Miami remains committed to supporting these students beyond high school, ensuring they have the resources to thrive in college and beyond.

CABERNET WITH BATTIER

On Saturday, February 3rd, Heidi and Shane Battier hosted the highly anticipated Cabernet with Battier at Byblos Miami, bringing together South Florida’s finest to raise over $300,000 for the Battier Take Charge Foundation. This memorable evening supported the foundation’s mission to provide college scholarships and educational opportunities for underprivileged youth. The success of Cabernet with Battier is a testament to the loyal and generous support of friends, sponsors, and partners like KPMG, Miami Heat Charitable Fund, City National Bank of Florida, and Hard Rock Seminole Casino. With events like Cabernet with Battier, the foundation continues to change lives through education, one scholarship at a time.

RETREAT 2024

From April 25th-28th, 32 Battier Scholars gathered at Shane and Heidi’s lake home in Michigan, for the fifth annual Battier Scholars Leadership Retreat. Over four days, scholars participated in workshops on personal branding, home-buying, and artificial intelligence, led by experts from Rocket Mortgage and KPMG. In addition to professional development, the retreat featured activities like group yoga, nature hikes, and fun moments around the bonfire, creating an environment of growth and connection. The retreat, a hallmark of the Battier Scholars Program, goes beyond financial support to build lasting relationships and foster both personal and professional development.

The Battier Scholars Program selects outstanding future leaders from Miami, Camden and Detroit, and gives them the opportunity to improve and impact their destiny through the power of a college education.

EACH SCHOLAR RECEIVES A $32,000 SCHOLARSHIP - $8,000 EACH YEAR FOR 4 YEARS - AND ACCESS TO SIGNIFICANT RESOURCES AND BENEFITS.

Chelsey Foster, MD

UNIVERSITY: Wright State University, School Of Medicine

ROTATION NAME: Maternal Fetal Medicine Sub-Internship

HOSPITAL: Massachusetts General Hospital

Early in my third year of medical school, I knew I wanted to rotate at an academic hospital, and it felt like a dream to imagine that hospital being Harvard-affiliated. So, when I received my acceptance letter to rotate at Massachusetts General Hospital in their Maternal-Fetal Medicine department, it felt surreal—like I needed someone to pinch me. Being offered such an incredibly selective opportunity to work alongside pioneers and learn from some of the brightest minds in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) was a true honor. However, I was simultaneously overwhelmed with anxiety about how I would afford the travel and living expenses required to participate. That’s when the Go Beyond scholarship I received from the Battier Take Charge Foundation made all the difference.

OF BATTIER SCHOLARS GRADUATE FROM COLLEGE WITHIN 4 YEARS

Arleth Vargas

Arleth received $142,000 in scholarships from the Battier Take Charge Foundation to attend her dream school, the Westphal College of Media Arts and Design at Drexel University. Arleth will be studying Fashion Design at Westphal, which is a top five fashion design program in the world. Arleth was awarded the $10,000 Guide Scholarship, the $32,000 Battier Scholars Award, and thanks to a Take Charge Donor, a $100,000 scholarship to cover any remaining cost.

The scholarship allowed me to travel to Boston and live among the patients I cared for each day. By alleviating the financial burden, I could focus entirely on providing excellent care to high-risk OB patients and take advantage of critical professional development opportunities right before applying to residency. For instance, I learned to manage patient sign-outs, lead patientcentered discussions during rounds, and complete medical documentation. I also taught a didactic session on uterine neoplasms for second-year medical students during their core OB/GYN rotation and delivered an oral presentation on myelomeningocele treatment at a departmental genetics conference. At the end of the summer, I presented a poster at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) district meeting on long-acting reversible contraception usage and its effect on rapid repeat pregnancies.

The support from the Battier Take Charge Foundation has been pivotal in shaping my academic and career path. By removing financial stress, the scholarship allowed me to immerse myself fully in every learning opportunity. It enabled me to engage in high-level clinical care, research, and teaching, all of which solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in OB/GYN and later, Maternal-Fetal Medicine. This experience not only strengthened my confidence in my clinical abilities but also deepened my passion for addressing health disparities in underserved populations. The foundation’s support has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact as I move forward in my journey as a future OB/GYN.

It’s been an eventful year at Guide Miami! For starters, the Class of 2024 really delved deep into financial literacy through personalized workshops in partnership with The Investors’ Table. They learned how to budget for college living, how to make sense of college financial aid offerings, how to apply for outside scholarships, and much more. Aside from financial literacy, they also worked on their college essays in writing workshops where they received individualized feedback while developing essays. Some students applied to many colleges, while others only applied to a few (we require them to apply to at least 3); either way, all 18 of our Guide Miami students from Booker T. Washington Senior High and Miami Central Senior High were accepted into at least one public college or university in the state of Florida, allowing them the opportunity to make efficient use of their 4-Year Florida Prepaid Scholarship. In the end, all but one of these students enrolled in college. The exception, Antwaniyah, decided to take her highly awarded JROTC involvement a step further by enrolling in the armed forces. Antwaniyah still yearns to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice or Military Science, and plans to do so as soon as possible once she settles into military life.

Though Guide Miami worked hard this year, they also had fun. Students especially enjoyed their field trip to the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) Regional Conference. This conference hosted a spread of booths from different aviation professionals, many of which with careers we’d never known existed. Students got the opportunity to network with these individuals while also exploring private jets and helicopters on display. Many students were excited to sit in a plane or helicopter for the first time. We all went home with lots of cool aviation swag and a newfound knowledge of all the possible career paths in aviation. It was truly a day they won’t soon forget.

Graduation was a emotional affair, attended by staff and mentors alike. Our Battier Guide Miami 2024 cohort has a 100% high school graduation rate, a 100% college admission rate, and a 94% college enrollment rate. These numbers far surpass national averages and we couldn’t be prouder to be a part of these students’ journeys. This is not the end of that journey, though. We have already hosted a virtual check-in with the students that started college during the summer term (it was so good seeing their faces again!) and will continue to keep up with our Guide alumni to make sure they have the support they need to reach college graduation.

GUIDE CAMDEN GUIDE MIAMI

When the Battier Take Charge Foundation commits to a partnership, the students, school, and community become part of the Take Charge Family. As we settle into Camden, Take Charge aims to create deeper and more meaningful relationships with Camden Academy Charter High School and the City of Camden as a whole. In Battier Guide Camden’s second year we worked to deepen these relationships by formalizing our college and career prep curriculum, expanding our community engagement and networking opportunities, and offering greater scholarships to graduating seniors.

The Battier Guide Curriculum aims to prepare high school students for college and beyond by balancing hard and soft skills. Upon graduation, every Battier Guide student will have successfully built a resume, written their college essay, made a personal budget, and created a personal brand. However, throughout the year students will also practice leadership, teamwork, and creative thinking by planning and executing a volunteer project with a community partner, and get comfortable with public speaking through different assignments such as About Me presentations and debates.

In Guide Camden’s first year we formed great relationships with the school through Camden Academy Charter High School, the community through the Philadelphia 76ers, and local colleges through Rider University. In our second year we grew deeper in our relationship with the school by being awarded the “We Go to College” Award by Camden’s Promise Charter Network, the Network that Camden Academy is part of. Guide Camden furthered our relationship with the 76ers by starting the Senior Spring Series where seniors were able to join different staff for lunch once a week throughout March. We also connected more with the City of Camden by attending Constitution Day with the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and hosting two Networking Roundtable Events where students were able to mingle with local professionals. We expanded our network of colleges and universities by leaving the state! Students travelled to New York City, Virginia, Pennsylvania, as well as throughout New Jersey visiting schools such as NYU, Hampton University, Drexel University, and Princeton University.

Finally, the Battier Take Charge Foundation was able to double each graduating student’s scholarship from $5,000 to $10,000, and find private donors for two students who needed a little extra support. One student received $20,000 so she could live on campus, and another student received $142,000. Thanks to the Battier Take Charge Foundation thirteen of sixteen graduating students had the option to attend college at no cost, meaning tuition, housing, and all fees were completely covered.

“Our support for the Battier Take Charge Foundation will help expand educational opportunities for underserved youth. By investing in their education, we are investing in the future of our communities and the limitless potential of these young individuals. Together, we can make a lasting impact and help young people access meaningful opportunities that empower them to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.”

Battier Take Charge Foundation Receives $1.4 Million Grant From

KPMG US Foundation

We are thrilled to announce that the Battier Take Charge Foundation has been awarded a $1.4 million grant from the KPMG US Foundation to further our mission of providing educational opportunities to underserved youth. This generous grant will significantly expand our efforts to equip students with the financial resources, mentorship, and support they need to thrive academically and personally, as they pursue their higher education and develop into future leaders.

Advancing Educational Access and Leadership Development

At the Battier Take Charge Foundation, we believe that education is the key to unlocking potential. With this new partnership, we will be able to extend the reach of our Battier Scholars and Guide Program, which supports students from Miami, Camden, and Detroit. The KPMG US Foundation’s grant will fund scholarships for up to 20 students per year for the next four years. This funding will also allow us to offer vital support beyond tuition, including mentorship programs, leadership training, and networking opportunities, all designed to ensure our scholars are equipped with the tools they need to excel not only academically but also in their future careers.

Building a Brighter Future Together

The collaboration between the Battier Take Charge Foundation and the KPMG US Foundation represents a shared vision of a more equitable future. By investing in underserved youth, we are investing in the next generation of leaders who will help shape a more inclusive society. Together, we aim to break down barriers to education and provide the necessary resources for students to achieve their full potential.

Impactful Use of Grant Funding

The $1.4 million grant will be distributed over the next four years and will help fund scholarships through two- or four-year support models. This will ensure our scholars receive the financial and developmental assistance they need throughout their higher education journey.

Looking Ahead

We are incredibly grateful to the KPMG US Foundation for their confidence in our mission and their commitment to creating meaningful change through education. This grant will enable the Battier Take Charge Foundation to make an even greater impact, transforming the lives of students who will go on to be leaders in their communities and beyond.

TOGETHER, WE ARE PAVING THE WAY FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE—ONE WHERE EVERY STUDENT HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE CHARGE OF THEIR OWN SUCCESS.

Since 2008, The Battier Take Charge Foundation Has Awarded Over 3 Million Dollars in Scholarships to Students Across the U.S.

At the Battier Take Charge Foundation, our financials reflect our unwavering commitment to supporting scholarships, education, and empowering students for success. The majority of our resources are directed toward providing critical educational opportunities, as seen through our significant investments in tuition assistance, tutoring, and student enrichment programs.

We maintain careful oversight of our operational costs, ensuring they remain appropriate and efficient, so that the maximum amount of funding goes directly to student support. These expenses are essential for sustaining our work, ensuring compliance, and enabling us to effectively run programs that impact students’ lives.

As we look ahead, we are focused on securing our ability to continue these efforts over the next decade and beyond. Our financial strategy is designed to ensure that we are not only meeting today’s needs but also laying the foundation for long-term stability and growth. This approach allows us to provide sustained support to students throughout their educational journeys and help shape future generations of leaders.

Cabernet With Battier

On Saturday, February 3rd, Heidi and Shane hosted the highly anticipated Cabernet with Battier at Byblos Miami, bringing together South Florida’s finest to raise over $300,000 for the Battier Take Charge Foundation. This memorable evening supported the foundation’s mission to provide college scholarships and educational opportunities for underprivileged youth. The success of Cabernet with Battier is a testament to the loyal and generous support of friends, sponsors, and partners like KPMG, Miami Heat Charitable Fund, City National Bank of Florida, and Hard Rock Seminole Casino. With events like Cabernet with Battier, the foundation continues to change lives through education, one scholarship at a time.

2024 Battier Scholars Retreat

From April 25th-28th, 32 Battier Scholars from across the country gathered at Shane and Heidi’s lake home in Michigan, for our fifth Battier Scholars Leadership Retreat. This four-day weekend was a blend of work and play, offering personal and professional development opportunities in an authentic, welcoming setting. Scholars participated in reflective activities that deepened bonds with one another while gaining insights to grow both personally and professionally. These retreats have become a signature element of our program, extending the foundation’s support beyond financial assistance and fostering lasting relationships that set the Battier Scholars program apart from “just another scholarship”.

The retreat’s structured sessions included workshops such as Building Your Brand, Home-Buying 101, and an exploration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Special thanks to partners like Joe Wilson from Rocket Mortgage, as well as Anita Whitehead, Nora Wheeler, Laurie Bean, and Kerry Nachtrieb from KMPG, for leading these impactful discussions. In addition to the professional development, students participated in group yoga, guided meditation, and nature hikes. The weekend also allowed plenty of time for relaxation and fun, with basketball games, karaoke, and a memorable night around the bonfire making s’mores. The combination of learning and leisure created a perfect environment for growth and connection.

NOONY

“Everyone was open and full of laughs and love. No where else does it feel like coming home as much as it does on this special lake with these special individuals. Seeing our old with our new and how we all guide each other, it is magnificent.“

TATANIA

“The retreat really made me realize where my education could take me. Yes want to be a teacher, but because I have so much knowledge of the teaching world and beyond, I could really be a changemaker, in more ways than one. What made it so memorable was getting to see all my Battier family from my first retreat. It was so cool catching back up with everyone again and picking back up like we never left that first retreat. So amazing!”

Our scholars fully embraced the experience, actively engaging in both structured and informal activities. The atmosphere of openness and camaraderie was undeniable, as many existing relationships were strengthened and new friendships were formed. Battier Scholar Noony put it best: “Everyone was open and full of laughs and love. Nowhere else feels like coming home as much as it does on this special lake with these special individuals. Seeing our old Scholars with our new ones and how we all guide each other is magnificent. There is nowhere else I’d rather be.” The Take Charge Team believes in fostering a deeper investment in our scholars’ lives beyond their academic pursuits, and this retreat exemplified that vision. Whether through shared learning moments or heartfelt conversations by the lake, each scholar left Michigan with a renewed sense of purpose and community.

Hear It From Our Battier Family

“ ANTONIO

“Take Charge is as much about the community as it is about the scholarship amount. Getting to spend so much time with the team and the other Scholars and sharing stories has created something that lasts longer than 4 years.”

“ ARLETH

“The Battier Take Charge Foundation set me in the right direction and led me to the right place. I am so grateful for the people who brought this program to Camden because it has helped me, and students like me, get closer to their dream career paths. It helped me meet amazing people from all over, and gave me experiences that put me in new environments. I could not be any more appreciative of all the support the Battier Take Charge Foundation has given me.”

“ CHELSEA

“Take Charge employs a holistic approach to promoting scholars’ growth. Everyone at Take Charge is committed to helping us remain academically solid, physically well, and emotionally supported.”

“ MAURICE

JESSICA

“This foundation encourages me to push myself. I’ve always been an introvert, but this team is so different. Our time together can begin talking about anything, but often ends up in a deep conversation about real fears and struggles in our lives.”

“Because of the foundation, I’m now privileged. This is the leg up that we Scholars didn’t expect, but now we get to have. Take Charge wants to stick around for life – and I’m welcoming it!”

ELIJAH

“As a Battier Scholar, you get to be around people who want to know you, want to know what you’re doing, and support you. You get to be around people who are family.” “

“ JEWLY

“Most scholarships only require a certain GPA, there is no personal or other involvement. Take Charge is different because they push the envelope. They really care about their students. Our well beings and goals. They desire to set us up for success”

THANK YOU

Our Team

For your interest and support of the Battier Take Charge Foundation

We invite you to learn more about ways to volunteer, give, and advance our mission of providing resources for the development and education of underserved youth and teens. Do Well. Do Good.

Our Mission

We help promising young people take charge of their lives and reach their greatest potential through college scholarships, mentorship, networking, and leadership training. The young people who go through our programs, in turn, inspire those around them - in their families, their neighborhoods, and their schools – to take charge of their futures.

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