Project hidden gems

Project Hidden Gems is really important to me. How do youth in poverty overcome their current situation and reach for more? There are lots of ways- the largest area of influence is mentoring. What if youth trying to overcome poverty doesn't have a mentor? Depending on what career one might choose, there are rules- different rules in a different class. You can't play football with basketball rules. For instance, a professional/office atmosphere has lots of rules. Unspoken rules, hidden, social norms- rules that everyone just "gets". What if you don't just "get" it? What if you don't have a mentor? The odds of one succeeding in those conditions are very slim. Breaking a hidden rule or social norm is worse than ruining a first impression. You don't know what you don't know, right?

Merriam Webster defines poverty as the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possessions. Classism is defined as prejudice or discrimination based on class. More information on poverty can be found here: https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines

My mission, to gather real life experiences, to uncover hidden rules and social norms of the middle and/or wealthy class. This research will be shared with our Diamond Program, to help give youth a chance to reach their full potential. Mentoring is one of the most powerful tools to aide youth in poverty, to finding a roadmap to success. I'm hoping this research will significantly speed up the process, via your real life experiences. If youth in poverty can have an inside look at some of the hidden rules/social norms, it may give them a leg up. Even though you won't be taking a typical mentor role, I truly believe, sharing your learned experiences will be invaluable to the youth that receives the insights. How easy is this? A mentorship opportunity that takes 10 minutes, once? Perfect. These learned experiences are the hidden gems of life, little easter eggs, if you will- especially to a youth in poverty searching for them.

Thank you for your candid and open responses. This work couldn't happen without you.