Since December 2022, 902Youth has been selected to benefit from the Star Market GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program four times. The organization has used the donations it has received from Star Market to continue empowering young people ages 12 to 25 to learn, grow, and thrive
Tell us about 902Youth.
902Youth is committed to empowering young individuals by providing mentorship, education, and community-driven opportunities. Our mission is to equip youth with the skills, confidence, and resources they need to build a brighter future. At the heart of our work lies a belief that every young person regardless of their background deserves a fair opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.
Our mission is to equip youth with the skills, confidence, and resources they need to build a brighter future.
The organization was founded by Roderick Galloway (he/him), Executive Director & Founder. Roderick is a passionate educator, mentor, and community leader who recognized the systemic barriers many youth in underserved communities face. From a young age, he understood the value of mentorship and education, and how both can change lives. Inspired by his own experiences and driven by the desire to create lasting change, Roderick began what started as a grassroots initiative to offer mentorship and skill-building workshops to young people who needed guidance and support.
Over time, 902Youth has grown into a thriving youth development organization, reaching hundreds of young individuals across our community. Our programs now serve as a launchpad for the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, all of whom benefit from hands-on experiences, trusted mentorship, and access to real-world opportunities.
What services do you provide to the community?
902Youth offers a range of programs tailored to holistic youth development, with a focus on personal growth, career readiness, and leadership. One of our key pillars is mentorship and career guidance, where we connect young individuals with professionals across various industries. These mentorships offer youth the opportunity to explore potential career paths, ask questions in a safe and encouraging environment, and receive personalized support based on their interests and goals. In addition to mentorship, we host a variety of educational workshops that cover topics such as financial literacy, college readiness, entrepreneurship, mental health awareness, and digital skills. These sessions are designed not only to inform but to empower providing the tools and confidence youth need to make informed decisions about their future.
Leadership development is another essential component of our programming. We encourage youth to take initiative by leading community projects, facilitating peer-to-peer workshops, and participating in advocacy initiatives that amplify their voices and impact. For those facing financial or structural barriers, we also offer scholarship and internship support. This includes helping students with applications and connecting them with meaningful internship opportunities that align with their long-term aspirations. Together, these programs form a comprehensive support system that helps young people thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
Together, these programs form a comprehensive support system that helps young people thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
How has 902Youth used the donations from the Star Market GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program to further its mission?
The GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program has played a vital role in strengthening our Career Pathways Initiative a cornerstone program at 902Youth designed to help high school students explore future career opportunities and gain direction in their professional lives. Thanks to the support from this initiative, we’ve been able to broaden the scope of our services and deepen our impact.
With the donations received, we’ve organized career-focused workshops that bring in guest speakers from diverse industries like technology, healthcare, marketing, and public service. These sessions have not only sparked curiosity among our youth but have also offered them a real-world understanding of various professions. In addition to inspiration, we provide them with the tools to act. Structured resume-building and interview preparation sessions have become a key part of our programming, equipping students with the confidence and practical skills they need as they apply for internships, part-time jobs, or college opportunities.
The funding has also helped us remove a critical barrier transportation. By covering travel costs, we’ve made it possible for students to attend off-site events such as college fairs, industry expos, and networking sessions experiences that many would not have been able to access on their own. We’ve also been able to develop and distribute helpful resources like workbooks and guides that students can use during their career exploration journey.
At 902Youth, we believe career discovery is more than just choosing a profession it’s about giving young people the space to envision a future they may not have considered possible and providing the support to help them pursue it. Through the GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS program, that vision is becoming a reality for many of the youth we serve.
Tell us a story about the impact of a program, service, or initiative that the Star Market GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program has supported.
One powerful story that stands out is that of Satish, a high school junior who joined our mentorship program with little knowledge of what his future could look like. He came from a single-parent household where financial struggles and limited access to guidance had left him unsure of what was possible.
Satish was paired with a mentor in the technology field someone who had also overcome personal adversity to succeed. Through their conversations, Satish began to see a path forward. He attended one of our career workshops, where he learned about STEM careers, participated in resume-building sessions, and even conducted mock interviews.
These experiences gave him clarity and confidence. With support from his mentor and our team, Satish applied for and landed a part-time internship with a local tech startup. Today, he’s not only gaining valuable hands-on experience, but he’s also become an advocate for mentoring among his peers encouraging others to get involved with 902Youth.
Stories like Satish’s demonstrate the ripple effect of giving. The GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program didn’t just provide resources — it helped shift the course of a young person’s life.
The GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program didn’t just provide resources — it helped shift the course of a young person’s life.
Have you noticed any changes in community awareness or support since becoming involved in the Star Market GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program?
Absolutely. Since becoming part of the GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program, we’ve seen a visible increase in community interest and involvement. More local businesses have reached out, either to collaborate, sponsor events, or provide mentorship opportunities. Parents and school counselors have referred more students to our programs after hearing about us through this initiative.
We’ve also noticed a surge in volunteer sign-ups and online engagement. Our social media platforms have seen more shares and messages from individuals asking how they can contribute or partner with us. The visibility provided by this program has strengthened our reputation in the community and positioned us as a trusted organization making a real difference in young people’s lives.
The visibility provided by this program has strengthened our reputation in the community and positioned us as a trusted organization making a real difference in young people’s lives.
What advice would you give to other nonprofits participating in the Star Market GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program?
Maximize storytelling! People like to listen to real stories. Showcase how the funds are making an impact on the organization. Share posts and updates on social media where you invite your supporters to see how receiving funds from Star Market through this initiative is impactful. The more transparent you can be, the more engaging your posts will be to your followers.
Interview with Mahesh Naik, Director of Marketing & Communications