Tradebe's Generous Donation Fuels Teen Leadership Initiative in Indiana

Tradebe's Impact on Youth Leadership in East Chicago

In a commendable move to foster youth development, Tradebe, a prominent environmental services firm, has pledged $25,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana (BGCGNWI). This donation marks the beginning of a Champion-level corporate partnership aimed at revitalizing and expanding the organization’s teen leadership programs in East Chicago.

The funds will play a crucial role in the relaunch of the teen leadership initiatives at the East Chicago Club. Part of this investment will go towards hiring a part-time staff member dedicated to program development, ensuring the delivery of high-quality programming, and offering comprehensive training. Furthermore, the donation will provide scholarships for local teens to partake in the 2025 Teen Summit, ensuring accessibility for all members.

Empowering Teens through Total Teen Takeover

Tradebe’s contribution heralds a new phase for the Club’s “Total Teen Takeover” initiative, designed to engage over 50 teenagers in East Chicago through participatory leadership and service learning. This program aims not only to increase the engagement of middle and high school students but also to nurture critical skills such as self-leadership, teamwork, and civic responsibility.

Ashley Luptak, Director of Philanthropy at BGCGNWI, expressed her enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to have Tradebe step forward as a founding partner in this critical initiative. Their generosity will empower our teens with the guidance, tools, and frameworks they require to lead effectively within the Club and throughout the community.” This highlights the organization's commitment to not just talk about leadership development but to embed it into the teen experience every week.

A Holistic Approach to Leadership

The partnership extends beyond financial support; it encompasses Tradebe's employees who will actively engage as mentors and role models for BGCGNWI's youth. Employees will facilitate regular leadership sessions alongside community service projects that allow teens to explore various career paths and develop essential communication skills while fostering the spirit of volunteerism and civic engagement.

One of the partnership's standout events is the annual Teen Summit, a four-day career exploration series held in July. This engagement promises to include exciting surprises and culminates in a celebratory barbeque, creating a festive atmosphere that showcases the achievements and hard work of participating teens.

Jill Long, Tradebe's Vice President of People and Culture, highlighted the company's ethos: “This partnership reflects our values at Tradebe – empowering individuals, building vibrant communities, and investing in future leaders. We are proud to support Boys & Girls Clubs' mission while providing our employees with meaningful opportunities to give back.”

The programming targets both middle school (Torch Club) and high school students (Keystone Club), significantly enhancing teen services at a time when positive youth development is critical. This investment signifies a collective commitment to nurturing an environment where young individuals can thrive.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

For anyone interested in learning more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana or becoming involved in the East Chicago teen leadership program, additional information can be found at www.bgcgreaternwi.org.

This collaboration between Tradebe and BGCGNWI symbolizes a promising step forward in youth leadership development, ensuring that young voices in East Chicago are heard, empowered, and prepared to take on the challenges of tomorrow.