Potential Impact of KaBOOM!’s Strategic Planning Process on the NLA

The Neighborhood Learning Alliance (NLA) is a Pittsburgh non-profit organization founded in 2003 whose mission is to “improve the education and opportunities of African American and lower-income families through strategic partnerships with community and faith-based organizations” [1].  To achieve this mission, the NLA hires Tech Warriors (high school students from Pittsburgh public schools) to teach STEM lessons to elementary students who are deficient in subjects of math and science.

About 6 months ago, the company I work for, Covestro, partnered with the NLA to improve the effectiveness of the program.  I was one of 4 employees selected to assist in catalyzing the expansion/success of the organization.  Although we have made tangible improvements, the KaBOOM! case study provided unrealized insight into effective strategic planning that will influence my recommendations for the NLA going forward.   In many ways, KaBOOM!’s three-pillar operation strategy (lead, educate, and advocate) could transform the NLA to promote sustainability and growth.

By developing better leaders in both the NLA and the Tech Warriors, the organization would be more prepared to take ownership of their mission.  Further developing the Tech Warriors into leaders would create “tippers” who would captivate the elementary students to learn the STEM material and facilitate personal/peer growth to support and increase Tech Warrior college acceptance rates.

With regards to educating, the NLA could develop an online resource where other public schools around the country (or even around the world) could learn of the NLA structure, implement their own programs, and continue to use the NLA as a resource to gain insight on how to effectively inspire students to succeed in STEM.  This methodology, similar to KaBOOM!, could be licensed to provide another source of income, in addition to uses of the NLA trademark, logo, and other information.

In advocating and raising awareness, the NLA could gain more volunteer support from the community and establish partnerships with corporations. While corporate partners could serve as a significant source of income, they could also provide tours of research facilities, create mentorship programs, and/or establish connections with affiliated colleges/universities (i.e. Bidwell) to enhance the knowledge and opportunity base of the Tech Warriors.  The NLA could also partner with tech companies, such as Sparkfun or Adafruit, who could donate tech supplies (i.e. Arduinos, breadboards, etc.) to the NLA to foster hands-on STEM development.

Similar to KaBOOM!, the NLA is shaping, inspiring, and transforming children of the future.  Both organizations are giving children the opportunity to live healthier lives by staying active, both physically and mentally, and giving them an information-rich environment in which they can grow and develop.  I am excited to use some of the knowledge I gained from this week’s meetings in guiding the NLA leadership team going forward.

[1] http://neighborhoodlearning.org/