MacKenzie Scott awards BRYC unrestricted $2 million grant
Out of over 6,300 applicants, BRYC is one of only 279 nationwide to receive this level of support.
By Elin Hawkinson
Dear friends,
I am indescribably happy to share that BRYC has been tapped to receive $2 million through the Yield Giving Open Call, a national charitable initiative underwritten by award-winning novelist and visionary philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
Last May, BRYC applied alongside more than 6,300 organizations nationwide for a shot to be one of 250 to receive $1 million. After a round of peer-applicant reviews and an evaluation by Yield’s own experts, BRYC was named among 1,000 finalists, with no next step but to wait for a decision that finally came this month: that BRYC would in fact receive $2 million as one of the highest-scoring applicants.
The transformative gift buttresses BRYC during a period of aggressive expansion, which includes opening a third after-school site, launching college counseling programs in multiple local high schools (more on this soon), and introducing career services for alumni. More importantly, it is sustenance for our long-term future – an investment in scaling BRYC’s impact and fortifying our capacity to sustain it indefinitely.
This monumental win is a testament to the tireless work of so many. Together we have built not just an organization whose methods and metrics stand out nationally, but a community whose soul and strength cannot be denied. Special thanks to Yield and Lever for Change for their confidence; to our staff, board, and volunteers for their endless hustle; and to all of you, who power our progress. Above all, thank you to our Fellows and families for trusting us. We’re about to take this thing to the next level. Now let’s get back to work!
BR … YC!
Lucas Spielfogel
Executive Director
Application Process Overview and Evaluation Panel Scores
Selected Evaluation Panel Feedback
“The organization shows clear growth since its inception with growing demand for services to date. The college completion rate for their 600+ alumni reflects a successful model. Their work is built from a foundation of evidence-based best practices in college readiness which further informs their track record for success.”
“This organization certainly appears to have succeeded in an area where many before have not. They are to be commended (and supported) for their work in providing much-needed educational services.”
“The numbers provided are impressive and represent a strong track record of program effectiveness. The education achieved by hundreds of Fellows represents positive change that will impact generations to come.”
“The staff is small but highly effective in providing the direct services needed for their Fellows to achieve their educational and employment goals.”
“BRYC can also point to significant improvement across several critical realms, e.g., academic performance, attendance and greater access to tuition assistance. Strong program retention, high marks for participant satisfaction, and referrals from alumni reflect great community trust in BRYC’s approach.”
“BRYC clearly makes a difference and has data to prove it.”
“A tightly focused set of activities all support low-income, predominantly Black youth to prepare for higher education and beyond. To me, it’s telling that the BRYC video features students and alumni – not program staff. The organization appears to truly engage and empower young people and maintain its connections with them.”
“BRYC addresses deep inequities at a critical time in students’ lives. It’s hard to imagine a more effective accelerator for educational success and economic mobility.”
