Connecticut Project Jumpstart Driver’s Choice Award Nominees

Vote for which finalist you think should win the Project Jumpstart Driver’s Choice Award in Connecticut. The driver-partner that receives the most votes will receive a Project Jumpstart grant towards their cause, and a little something extra special.

Aneury

Anuery submitted an application to support Fairchild Wheeler Interdistrict Magnet School.

What the organization does:
This hi-tech school, which in itself will be a teaching and learning tool for students and staff, will offer a 21st century STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) project-based curriculum.

How the organization would use the donation:
In his application, Anuery writes, “As a Spanish teacher, I believe is important to provide an immersion to Spanish language and culture for my advanced Spanish students. Every semester, I take my high school Spanish 3 students to watch a Spanish Broadway play in New York City. After the play, we experience an authentic Spanish meal in New York City”.

Leonidas

Leonidas submitted an application to support Latin Youth Soccer Academy.

What the organization does:
The mission of L.Y. Soccer Academy is to help all players develop a lifetime passion for the game, no matter what country, funds, age or level.

Why this organization matters to Leonidas:
In his application, Leonidas writes, “L.Y. Soccer Academy – Stamford helps a lot of kids that can’t afford the sport. They care about the kids—without them, some of these kids would be on the street”.

Juan

Juan submitted an application to support Hartford Public High School Football.

Why this organization matters to Juan:
In his application, Juan writes, “This football program has impacted the youth of Hartford for a long time by simply keeping youth active and creating better human beings that can positively impact the city of Hartford and the state of CT. This program has been able to assist in athletes obtaining scholarships that have been worth over $1,000,000. This year alone we had a family who was going through a hardship. Because of the funds raised last year, we were able to buy groceries for that family. The community we live in is very poor so, as a coaching staff, we have had to come up with creative ways to raise funds so that our athletes are a part of a positive atmosphere. Growing up in Hartford, I lived in a single parent home which is very common in Hartford. My mom could not afford a lot of things and I had no paternal figure in my life. Football was free and there were men that I could rely on as a paternal figure in life. There, I learned discipline, hard work, dedication, and teamwork”.

Julie

Julie submitted an application to support Invisible Portraits and the August West House.

What the organization does:
The mission of Invisible Portraits and the August West House is to rescue, provide permanent safe shelter, and complete rehabilitation of homeless youth.

Why this organization matters to Julie:
In her application, Julie writes, “I created and founded this organization Invisible Portraits and the August West House. As a transgender woman whose undergone not only a transition of personality and gender but also an unexpected spiritual transition, I’ve been awoken to the plight of those who are less fortunate. Although I don’t yet have the safe shelter or the resources of services needed to achieve the mission, I do the work of community awareness, recruiting all interested parties, and funding”.