When Mia first joined the Polite & Proud Etiquette Course at KYST Academy, she was a quiet 5th grader who avoided eye contact and rarely spoke up in class. At home, her parents worried — group projects left her anxious, she dreaded speaking to adults, and even small social situations felt overwhelming.

Midway through the program, something shifted. During a unit on confident conversation, Mia practiced simple greetings and active listening. She learned to set a table with pride, speak clearly during role-play dinners, and even lead group discussions in her journal activities. The supportive, step-by-step lessons — mixed with fun games and hands-on practice — helped her feel prepared instead of scared.

By the final week, Mia stood in front of her classmates and delivered a short thank-you speech to her parents, teachers, and peers. She smiled the entire time. Her mother, holding back tears, said, “This course gave Mia more than manners — it gave her confidence to be herself.”

Now, Mia volunteers to help welcome new students, speaks up in class, and proudly uses the etiquette skills she mastered. Her transformation is a reminder that with the right guidance, every child can shine.

Sponsor a child like Mia, for $300, that includes all materials and a formal dining experience. Just imagine a world where every child felt confident to be themselves.

About Us:

At the heart of our organization is a commitment to transforming lives and uplifting communities through education, opportunity, and second chances. We serve disenfranchised populations by exposing them to experiences and resources they are often denied—unlocking potential and helping entire communities shift from surviving to thriving.

Our impact is driven by three core pillars and our micro school, each designed to address critical gaps in personal, social, and economic development:

1. Kidz Club

Kidz Club curates free or low-cost, edu-taining activities that build character, strengthen family and peer bonds, and create lasting memories. Through field trips, creative workshops, and community events, we foster joy, learning, and growth in safe, nurturing environments.

2. LSCE (Life Skills, Career, and Entrepreneurship)

The LSCE program equips youth and adults with real-world skills often missing from traditional education. From financial literacy and tax preparation to mental health awareness, driver’s education, and entrepreneurial development, LSCE prepares participants to take confident control of their futures.

3. Deancor

Deancor provides wraparound support for individuals impacted by violence, the justice system, and substance use. This includes trauma-informed care, job training, mentorship, and trade skill development—offering not just a second chance, but a sustainable path forward.

Kyst (Kreative Youth Steam Thinkers) Academy

Kyst Academy, our micro school, integrates academic learning with emotional intelligence, leadership development, and life readiness. With small class sizes and a holistic approach, we ensure every student receives the support they need to thrive academically and personally.

Together, these programs form a comprehensive ecosystem of support—meeting people where they are, and walking with them toward who they can become. Through collaborative partnerships and generous support from grantors and donors, we continue to empower lives and reshape communities for the better.

Polite & Proud Etiquette

Team Members