Nonprofit Raises Thousands With 'Bold Vision' To Double Tutoring For Underserved Kids

ANNAPOLIS, MD — In a room full of Annapolis philanthropists and politicians, a high-schooler stole the show Thursday evening.

Annapolis High ninth-grader Kaylee Jones bravely accepted the microphone and told the crowd their support is critical for Seeds 4 Success. Jones receives tutoring and mentorship from the Eastport nonprofit, which uplifts students from underserved communities.

"Attending Seeds 4 Success has been nothing but positive. As work gets harder and I have more things to do, my tutor was always there to help," Jones said, noting that her mentor helped her raise her math grade from a 'B' to an 'A.'

Coming off its 15th year, Seeds 4 Success unveiled its plan for the next decade-and-a-half. That started with raising over $64,000 at this week's Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

Thanks to the donations, Seeds 4 Success plans to offer double the instruction hours by 2027. The nonprofit's students currently meet for academic support once per week, but the organization will soon add a second weekly session for all its students. That starts with its pre-Kindergarten through fifth-grade group this March.

"We have a bold vision," said Jen Pastrone, Seeds 4 Success executive director. "We know that one day makes an impact, but two or more days increase opportunities to build generations of bright futures."

Seeds 4 Success was founded in 2008 as the Eastport Girls Club. Seven women launched the venture with a $500 grant from the Eastport Civic Association.

Their original goal was to support girls from a public housing community with frequent gun violence. Girls consistently asked for homework help, so the group focused on tutoring and mentorship.

Boys were eventually welcomed to join. The name also changed to Seeds 4 Success, a nod to the organization's four pillars: dream, learn, grow and share.

Seeds 4 Success said it prioritizes students experiencing poverty because they are more likely to witness violence and incarceration, drop out of high school and repeat the poverty cycle without intervention.

A college education is more likely for students in academic programs like Seeds 4 Success, Pastrone said. That holds true for students like Jones, who has been in the group for over six years.

"My long-term goal is to get into a good college and have enough education to get money and keep myself up while living a good life," Jones said. "Seeds 4 Success is a really good place to straighten out your life and give yourself a better track to success."

Seeds 4 Success now has 67 participants. It expects to add another 26 by the end of June. The nonprofit retains 95% of its students, and most departures are folks moving out of the area.

Serving this growing community of learners takes a staff of eight and 66 volunteers. Sixteen midshipmen help out, and plenty of Annapolitans donate.

Jim Humphrey and his wife, Linda Humphrey, are major supporters. They've sponsored scholarships, helping put a student through the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

"The key to trying to get some kind of equality in this world is based on education. That's the only answer we can come up with," Jim Humphrey said. "It's something we believe in, and we can help."

Shore United Bank contributed a surprise $10,000 donation. Corey Galinsky, president of the Seeds 4 Success Board of Directors, announced the impromptu gift and shocked Pastrone. Galinsky is an executive vice president at Shore United Bank and has been affiliated with Seeds 4 Success for 10 years.

"Living in and around Annapolis and having children of my own, the mission is incredibly near and dear to my heart," Galinsky said.

Donations up to $10,000 help retain staff and charter buses. Contributions of $1,000 fund automated text updates for parents.

A gift of $500 hires a child psychologist to train mentors. $250 funds meals and family fun nights, while $50 buys crayons, folders and scissors.

"Meals cost money. Activities cost money," Pastrone said. "No dollar amount is literally too small because it definitely purchases something toward our programs."

Galinsky also bestowed the Rotary Club of Annapolis with the Caring Community Award.

The Rotary, an organization of business leaders supporting community projects, collects winter coats and backpacks for families in Seeds 4 Success.

"You help us make Annapolis a place where every child, no matter their background, has the opportunity to succeed," Galinsky said. "Thank you for being true champions of our mission and our city."

Rotary members Kevin Hurley and Anne Myers accepted the honor.

"The Rotary motto is 'Service above self,'" Hurley said. "Seeds 4 Success has been a terrific partner to us and made a significant impact to the community that it serves, and so we're honored to receive this award."

Additional donations and volunteers are always welcome at Seeds 4 Success. Supporters can donate at this link. Interested mentees can learn more at seeds4success.org/volunteer.

"It takes a village," Pastrone said. "We are thriving, and we are so excited to expand and reach more children."

Related: Nonprofit Celebrates 15 Years Of Mentoring Annapolis Students With Low Incomes