Nasaun Harrison, 19, attends college at Loyola University Maryland. The Baltimorean who received the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship studied abroad in Taiwan. He reflected on receiving IT TAKES TWO, INC’s Tools for Success Scholarship in 2022 and 2023.
Photo credit: Tim Cherney
Jaemellah Jackson, a nonprofit founder and CEO of IT TAKES TWO, INC began an organization that is dedicated to enriching the lives of young people. It increases their opportunities through scholarships, education, and life skills programming.
“The scholarship helped me obtain essential materials such as textbooks and supplies. I was also able to focus more on my studies as the scholarship was attributed to relieving financial burdens stemming from my studies,” Harrison said.
He added, “With a portion of their financial burden being taken away, students will have more time to focus on their studies. I also think that youth, like me, who benefit from support will also develop a want to give back.”
Jackson, a community-minded Nottingham, Maryland-based mother, wife, nonprofit founder and consultant, revealed that 1,000 students have been supported through the nonprofit thus far.
“(Tools for Success) Scholarship funding is strictly for educational purposes. Monies can be used to purchase school supplies, uniforms, books, laptops/tablets, tutoring and Internet service, and to pay for extracurricular activities such as sports and academic club fees,” said Jackson.
Harrison will share a virtual presentation about the benefits of traveling abroad, the Gilman Scholarship, and IT TAKES TWO, INC’s Positioned for Greatness Youth Program (P4GYP) for the nonprofit’s scholarship service learning project later this month.
P4GYP helps students successfully handle middle and high school, properly prepare, and create a life after high school plan. Additionally, participants have opportunities to visit local colleges and universities, community colleges, and trade schools.
Supply Drive 365 is an initiative offered by the nonprofit to support students in need to receive school supplies for the entire school year.
IT TAKES TWO, INC continues to elevate and encourage youth through various awards. For example, nominations are currently being accepted for Rising Phoenix applicants and He/She’s Got Game.
“This award represents resilience and overcoming adversity. We would like to hear how nominees rose from the “ashes” of the effects of personal life challenges and post-pandemic life, and achieved personal, academic, or other forms of success,” Jackson said, referring to the Rising Phoenix Award.
Jackson further explained that the nonprofit’s new He/She’s Got Game award is designed to celebrate student athletes.
“This award is for scholar-athletes who excel on and off the court/field/track not only with their academics, but leadership and sportsmanlike conduct. All sports are eligible,” Jackson explained.
Photo credit: Jaemellah Jackson
Additional nominations are also being accepted for a Leading by Example Award, Youth in Service Award, and Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Nominees must be in grades 5-12 and reside in Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Charles County, Prince George’s County or Montgomery County. The submission deadline for all awards is September 15, 2024.
A grand celebration and fundraiser will be held at the Youth & Community Awards Brunch 2024 hosted by IT TAKES TWO, INC! to recognize 2024-2025 Tools for Success Scholarship recipients, exceptional youth who are making a positive impact, young entrepreneurs, leaders, and athletes.
Jackson added, “We will honor four Tools for Success Scholarship recipients, five youth award honorees, and four community partners across Maryland counties Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Charles, Prince George’s, Montgomery, and Baltimore City. Scholarship recipients and award honorees represent fifth-grade through college-aged students.”
The Youth & Community Awards Brunch will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at The Gallery, located at 337 Brightseat Road, Suite 201 in Hyattsville, Maryland. A delicious brunch provided by Chef Blue Culinary. Attendees will be entertained by “DJ Princess C,” a youth entrepreneur and hear a guest speaker.
Harrison mentioned why the public should consider supporting a growing, local nonprofit.
“IT TAKES TWO, INC is an organization that has shown to really care for its community. They are strongly dedicated to empowering students and providing them with the resources they need to succeed. Whether this is by giving students the opportunity to apply for scholarships, sending care packages to students, or hosting informational meetings, they are always supporting the academic and personal growth of young people. As a volunteer or donor, you’d be supporting that cause,” he said.
Visit www.ittakestwoinc.org/nominations to find nomination links and to learn more about each category. Brunch tickets are on sale via https://ittakestwoinc.org/events.