By: Founding Executive Director, Brandon Nicholson, Ph.D.
Date: March 20, 2020
Dear Community,
At The Hidden Genius Project, we understand fully well that “shelter-in-place” does not mean our young people’s needs disappear. Even as we are currently mired in great change and uncertainty, we are committed to creating safe and constructive spaces for our young people. We are also mindful of the cascading adverse effects that so many people in our community are experiencing as a result of the spread of COVID-19. We send our best thoughts to all those among us battling health, economic, and holistic wellness challenges. Still, we are undeterred and ever-determined to serve our young people and our communities however we can.
Today, we are working to create safe and constructive spaces for our young people, in the midst of great change and uncertainty. Since our organization’s inception, the holistic well-being of the young people we serve has been our primary concern. For this reason, we remain grounded in our core values and continue to press forward. Our staff is working remotely to help flatten the curve, yet we are still working diligently to reach our Geniuses (current and alumni alike) and empower them to progress in their development. In this respect, we are innovating and iterating each day.
Earlier this week, we began delivering programming to our Geniuses in the OAK7 and RICH3 cohorts via virtual platforms. Through videoconference, project management, and multiple communication technologies, our Geniuses are meeting in small groups (known as “pods”) multiple days per week. It is truly a team effort, as our Alumni Youth Educators are leading some of the pods. Moreover, we continue to build momentum with our recently onboarded Los Angeles team, as they explore creative means to introduce our work to local communities.
Needless to say, there is no shortage of opportunities to make a positive impact in our respective environments, and you can trust that The Hidden Genius Project family is making every effort to do its part. We hope each of you will find your own way to contribute.
Thank you to all of you who have reached out to wish us well, offer support, and deliver a kind word. Your belief in us emboldens us to intensify our efforts.
Please be well, be safe, and take care of yourselves. For those seeking helpful information related to COVID-19, you may access our resource page HERE.
Take care.
Brandon Nicholson, Ph.D.
Founding Executive Director