The main goal of this project for RISE for Youth is to purchase a building and house all of their programs internally, thereby creating a central location that fosters growth, success, and healthy communities for youth. By doing so, RISE for Youth aims to dismantle the youth prison model, challenge racial and social injustice, and provide effective community-based alternatives to youth incarceration in Virginia.

1. Needs Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of RISE for Youth's current and future needs, including the space requirements for their programs, staff, and potential growth. This assessment will help determine the appropriate size and specifications for the building.
2. Market Research: Perform market research to identify potential locations for the building purchase. Evaluate factors such as accessibility, proximity to the target communities, availability of resources, and potential competition. Analyze the real estate market trends and consider the cost implications of different options.
3. Financial Projections: Develop comprehensive financial projections to estimate the costs associated with acquiring the building, maintaining it, and running RISE for Youth's programs internally. Consider factors such as purchase price, renovation expenses, ongoing operational costs, staffing requirements, and potential revenue streams. Assess the feasibility of sustaining the organization's activities in the long term.
4. Risk Analysis: Identify potential risks and challenges associated with the project. Evaluate factors such as funding uncertainties, regulatory compliance, community support, market demand, and potential reputational risks. Develop strategies to mitigate these risks and create contingency plans.
5. Funding Strategy: Explore various funding options available to RISE for Youth for the building purchase and ongoing operations. This may involve analyzing grants, donations, partnerships, sponsorships, and potential revenue-generating activities. Develop a funding strategy that aligns with the organization's mission and financial goals.
6. Operational Strategy: Design an operational plan for managing the building and delivering RISE for Youth's programs internally. Consider factors such as space allocation, program scheduling, staffing structure, facility maintenance, security, and community engagement. Develop strategies to optimize the utilization of resources and create an environment conducive to growth and success for the youth.
7. Stakeholder Engagement: Identify key stakeholders, including youth, community members, donors, government officials, and other relevant parties. Develop strategies to engage and collaborate with these stakeholders to gain support, ensure inclusivity, and leverage their expertise and resources.
8. Measurement and Evaluation: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the success of the project and the impact of RISE for Youth's programs. Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework to regularly assess the effectiveness of the strategies implemented. Use data-driven insights to make informed decisions and continuously improve the organization's operations.
9. Implementation Plan: Create a detailed implementation plan outlining the steps, timelines, and responsibilities for executing the business strategy. Consider potential phasing and prioritize critical activities. Ensure alignment with the organization's mission and values throughout the implementation process.
10. Sustainability and Scalability: Evaluate the long-term sustainability and scalability of the project. Identify opportunities for growth, expansion, and replication of successful models in other locations. Consider partnerships, collaborations, and strategic alliances that can support RISE for Youth's mission and goals.

Students will work closely with Valerie Slater who is supervising and available for questions.