The mission of Queen Academy, Inc. is to transform the lives of young women in the foster care system, alternative education settings, and juvenile justice system through Christian mentoring. The organization provides targeted, holistic support to displaced girls in crisis by connecting them to Christian mentors so that they do not get lost in the complexities of the social service system, eventually becoming women in crisis.
A 2024 Grant Winner
In 2024, the organization received one of our Grants for Good, intended to support the REGAL Summer Camp, which serves girls between the ages of 11-17 who are in the custody of the Georgia Dept. of Children & Family Services in the metro Atlanta area. Outcomes of the experience include but are not limited to:
- Measurable improvement in academic skills (e.g., STEAM education) and life skills (e.g., financial literacy, decision-making, and problem-solving).
- Increased self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
- Completion of a community project, reflecting the participants’ ability to identify and address real-world issues, demonstrating their growth in leadership and civic engagement.
Measuring Impact
Danielle Pojah, Ed.S, Founder/Executive Director of Queen Academy, Inc., recently reached out to us to share some great news about the impact of this grant and how it has made a difference to the organization and the girls it serves.
She wanted to share the tremendous impact of this funding support on their recent
REGAL Summer Camp program. Because of it, they were able to provide an incredible four-week summer camp experience for middle and high school aged girls in foster care and kinship care at no cost to their families. For many of them, this was a truly life-changing summer, and Danielle cites Invest in Others as part of that success!
Amazing Outcomes at Camp this Year
Project-Based Learning: Entrepreneurship
💼 100% of campers learned the basic steps to start a business
📝 100% demonstrated the ability to write a simple business plan
🎤 83% felt more confident presenting in front of a group
Life Skills
🧺 83% improved in everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, and sewing
🎯 100% increased ability to set and reach personal goal
Bible Studies & Social-Emotional Development
💬 67% reported improved emotional regulation in difficult situations
❤️ 83% felt more comfortable expressing themselves respectfully
✝️ 83% reported better understanding of applying Biblical principles daily
STEAM Instruction
🔬 67% grew more confident solving math and science problems
💡 83% improved creativity and confidence in using technoloy
Watch a Video Recap of Camp on Facebook
A Q&A with Danielle
How is this financial support impacting your overall mission?
At Queen Academy, Inc., our mission is to transform the lives of young women in foster care, kinship care, alternative schools, and juvenile justice systems through Christian mentoring. The financial support from the Invest In Others Grant allowed us to directly fulfill our mission by hosting a summer camp program for young women in our target demographic, a critically underserved population who don’t often have safe spaces designed specifically with them in mind.
How can the experience of the girls create a ripple effect?
One of the key components of our camp was project-based learning focused on entrepreneurship, because we understand the economic challenges that many young women face upon aging out of the foster care system or being released from the juvenile court system. Our campers learned step-by-step how to create a full business plan, and the mechanics of launching and sustaining a business. Our hope is that planting the seeds of business, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship in the minds of these young women will break cycles of poverty and unemployment by equipping them with the tools needed to forge their own path.
Why would you suggest that financial advisors (specifically) consider philanthropy and volunteerism as part of their career development and what types of things would you suggest they get involved with so that they are utilizing their skills and experience in a way that benefits nonprofits?
Honestly, financial advisors have a really unique skill set that nonprofits need—but often can’t afford. Things like budgeting, planning for the future, or even thinking strategically about sustainability aren’t always second nature for mission-driven organizations, Queen Academy included! When advisors step in and offer their time and expertise, it can truly change the game for us as nonprofit leaders. Additionally, getting involved in the community helps advisors build stronger relationships, both with clients and other leaders. It shows people you’re invested in something bigger than yourself, and that builds trust. Plus, it adds a whole new layer of purpose to your career. For example, joining the board of a nonprofit organization and offering your financial expertise, leading financial literacy workshops in underserved communities, or offering pro bono financial coaching to a nonprofit leader or their team are all great ways that financial advisors can use their skills and experiences to benefit nonprofits.
On behalf of the Queen Academy team, we are deeply grateful for your partnership in supporting vulnerable young women in crisis. Thanks so much again for your generous support.
