OVERVIEW
Magic Johnson Community Empowerment Centers are comprehensive one-stop resource centers where community residents are provided with the educational tools and resources to empower themselves and their families as well as strengthen the communities in which they reside. Above and beyond technology program participants are provided access to classes such as GED preparation, life and work skills development, entrepreneurship, introductory and basic finance, and math, health, and credit education.
We have taken a holistic approach to forming strategic partnerships and community collaborations to address the unique challenges facing socially and economically disadvantaged urban and rural communities. Each Magic Johnson Community Empowerment Center grant is valued at approximately $100K. Eligible recipients are qualifying 501c (3) organizations that provide services to underserved populations that provide access to education via technology that will allow program participants to improve their quality of life.
Community residents must receive free access to all service and programs offered at the center. Since there is a direct cost for supplies and maintenance, organizations or residents using the facility that live outside the community may be requested to pay a small fee or stipend to help with the overall sustainability of the center for residents.
OBJECTIVES
The major issues facing urban residents are quality of education, affordable access (including transportation) to information, safe and secure learning environments, and business/high-tech job opportunities.
MJF views technology and distance learning as the most effective and comprehensive methods to accomplish our goals of closing the gap in the digital divide, eliminating the nihilistic threat and transitioning residents from situations of poverty to prosperity.
It is the objective of the Magic Johnson Foundation to create a safe haven within the Technology centers that is conducive to learning and enriched with qualitative and quantitative educational and informational programs tailored to address the issues facing urban communities that will contribute to the educational and business development of residents that will contribute to the overall economic sustainability and continued growth of those communities. MJF strives to meet the following objectives:
• To affect largest urban demographic
• To structure programs that will allow participants to obtain industry standard certifications in Information Technology
• To obtain a 80% success rate for graduates that complete tailored course curriculums over the next 1-2 year period
• To transition residents to employment within Magic Johnson Enterprises and with program partners over the next 1-3 years with a minimum success rates of 10%, 20% & 30%
• To enlist the participation of corporations and businesses within the communities to partner with recipients to assure program sustainability
• To identify Taylor Michaels Scholarship candidates
• To obtain 100% utilization of centers with minimum user replication of 150 per week
• To conduct seminars and workshops that will educate participants about credit, finance, home ownership, to provide resources for college entrance and financial assistance, HIV education and assistance, and health screening/testing and job preparedness
