Tel: 215.985.4196
P.O. Box 8244 Philadelphia PA 19101 us
Networking for Equal Education and Economic Development of Philadelphia, hereafter referred to as NEEED, is a grassroots non profit organization that was established to address the educational and economic concerns of the residents of Philadelphia. NEEED of Philadelphia was founded in 1993 by a heartfelt dedicated group of concerned citizens with a mission to provide financial assistance to Philadelphia students seeking to attend an institution of higher education. It is through the dedication of our volunteer members, that the organization has provided scholarships to 138 students, since our inception. Of those 138, we have provided additional financial assistance to nearly half, through the provision of “Last Dollar Scholarships”. Last Dollar Scholarships are given, upon request, to former Scholarship recipients to assist with their unmet educational needs. NEEED of Philadelphia partners with the Negro Educational Emergency Drive (NEED) of Pittsburgh, PA. to administer our scholarships.
NEEED also encourages volunteerism in our young children by awarding savings bonds to students in grades K-12, who volunteer in their school or community. Since the inception of our Student Volunteer Recognition program, the organization has recognized over 65 students with savings bonds.
In addition to providing financial assistance and encouraging volunteerism, NEEED is the proud sponsor of the Youth On the Job Training Program (YOJTP) and the Youth Entrepreneur Program (YEP). Through partnerships with the Point Breeze Business Association, the Point Breeze Community Network, and Retired State Representative Harold James’ office, young adults were introduced to the American Economic System. Through YOJTP, a structured work environment is provided and the students are given the opportunity to learn and develop positive work habits, to develop employer/employee relations, and to learn to manage their income. They will also strengthen their communication skills through providing weekly reports. By instilling the students with positive work habits, we will have enhanced their future employment opportunities and hope that the employer will hire them on a continuing or part time basis. Through the YEP program, young adults select a business venture, work with business owners and develop a comprehensive business plan for a future business they plan to operate themselves. They learn how to apply for start up funding from lending institutions, develop knowledge about responsibilities associated with borrowed funds and having employees, as well as how to manage their profit. Since our inception, the organization has helped nearly 50 students through YOJTP.
Our organization hopes to continue to make a difference in a student’s pursuit of quality higher education, as well as youth summer employment opportunities through YOJTP, and entrepreneurism through YEP. We also hope that the aforementioned opportunities will build courage, confidence, and character within the students and in turn, they will help make their community a better place.