Social Impact Project

Are you worried about your child standing out? Struggling to help them find their true passion or build an authentic story?

As someone who’s co-founded a platform dedicated to helping students pursue their passions, and a mentor myself, I’ve had the privilege of helping talented young people discover and action the projects that excite them most.

My Journey: From Soccer Setback to Global Impact

My own journey started with a setback. When I didn’t make the academy soccer team in 9th grade, it felt like my world had ended. But that moment pushed me to explore new opportunities and passions. Eventually, I founded Soles4Good.org,  which provides used shoes to women in developing nations and helps them kickstart their own micro-businesses.

This experience opened my eyes to the power of creating social impact, and I believe your child can do the same.

Here's a glimpse of what I accomplished:

• Won an $8,000 grant from Harvard-Westlake to launch the organization
• Collected thousands of donated shoes from schools and companies
• Shipped them to Senegal and sold them to local youth to start shoe kiosks
• Negotiated import tariff rates and collaborated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Trained marginalized youth to become entrepreneurs

Today, Soles4Good has expanded to multiple countries and involves over 20 high school students!

Why Thoughtful Social Impact Projects Matter

I sometimes hear students say things like, "I want to teach inner-city kids how to play golf." While well-intentioned, this approach misses a crucial step: understanding the actual needs of the community you want to serve.

Creating a meaningful social impact project isn't just about having a good idea. It's about:

1. Identifying real needs in a community
2. Leveraging your unique skills and interests
3. Creating sustainable solutions and long-lasting impact
4. Developing leadership skills by galvanizing a team

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Social Impact Project

1. Identify Your Target Audience: Be specific about who you're serving and how you want to impact them. Ask them what they actually need.
2. Tap Into Your Passions: Your project shouldn't be a drag. It should excite you! Whether it's aviation, gaming, or sports related, there's a way to use your interests for good.
3. Create a Clear Vision: Write down your vision for the organization. What does success look like? What's your "dream headline"?
4. Set a 12-Month Roadmap: Break down your big vision into achievable milestones. What do you want to accomplish in a year? 
5. Define Monthly Goals: What specific actions will you take each month to reach your 12-month goals?
6. Build Awareness: Your work matters only if people know about it. How will you share your story and build an audience?
7. Assemble a Team: Assign specific roles and galvanize others around your cause.
8. Consistently Put in the Work: Commit to 1-2 hours per week to make consistent progress. Everyone is busy with sports, clubs, etc. so not having time is not an excuse. You just won’t create something extraordinary or unique. 
   

Interested in learning more? Join Our Free Webinar!

I'm excited to announce an upcoming webinar where I'll dive deeper into these strategies and answer your questions.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Option 1: One-on-One Consultation

Book a 30-minute strategic consultation with me to discuss your ideas and get personalized guidance and matched to a perfect mentor who will hold you accountable. 

Option 2: "Exploring Your Passions & Creating Your Own Social Impact Project" Workshop

This six-session workshop, running weekly from September 29th to November 10th, is perfect for students who aren't sure where to start. You'll:

• Explore and identify your core values and interests

• Learn how to translate those interests into meaningful action

• Develop a detailed social impact project proposal

By the end, you'll have:

• A clearer understanding of what truly motivates you

• A 12-month action plan for a self-designed social impact project

• Valuable skills in design thinking and goal-setting

• A compelling story and project to showcase in college applications

Creating a social impact project isn't just about padding your college application—it's about discovering your passions, developing crucial skills, and making a tangible difference in people's lives.

Remember, you don't need to have it all figured out right away. I started by staring at a blank piece of paper, trying to find the intersection of my strengths, interests, and what the world needs. That led me to create something I never imagined possible. The key is to start, stay consistent, and put in the work. Whether you're passionate about technology, arts, sciences, or sports, there's a way to channel that interest into meaningful action. 

Looking forward to helping you make a difference,

Alec Katz, on behalf of the Curious Cardinals team