● About
BIG
Where ideas become
We reach…
We break through…
We go big…
Our mission is to empower young people in underserved communities to become leaders and change-makers through innovative educational programs and community engagement.
Big Ideas Foundation is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
EIN: 92-3820525
Spurring social and educational innovation.
Our mission is to empower young people in underserved communities to become leaders and change-makers through innovative educational programs and community engagement.
Our goal is to incentivize and revolutionize public school education across America by:
Providing students a direct route to social entrepreneurship.
Offering a head start on college credits.
Creating opportunities for residual income.
Equipping students with the skills and experience needed to become business owners.
Increasing community engagement and fostering social growth in all communities that have access to public school education.
The community engagement aspect of our curriculum and goals is what truly sets us apart from similar organizations and initiatives.
Not a single move without our community in mind.
Below are who we seek out for collaboration and big idea-making. Is this you? Then click the button below to connect with us.
Public School Systems / Districts
By providing incentives for parents and students to want to attend their schools.
By increasing student attendance when our services are offered.
By improving the percentage of students who enroll in and/or complete college.
By providing services and systems that enhance classroom behavior, improving educators' ability to teach effectively and feel secure in their roles and careers.
Family Members & Community Members of Those Students
By providing students with revenue-producing models, enabling them to invest more in their families and local communities, thereby easing the financial burden on others.
Students will serve as marketing ambassadors for the program, whether intentionally or unintentionally, by showcasing the skills, income, network, and resources they have gained. This will increase demand for our program among other students and community members.
Our community engagement lessons will encourage students to participate in philanthropic and volunteer-based efforts, fostering unity and collaboration within their communities. These are key elements of a thriving community and/or district.
Students Enrolled in Public Schools
By increasing the number of students who become entrepreneurs and/or intrapreneurs.
By giving them opportunities for steady income and possibly even residual income.
By directly connecting them with a network of ‘Local Heroes’ and resources in their community.
By increasing student attendance when our services are offered.
By improving the percentage of students who enroll in and/or complete college.
By equipping them with the skills, experience, and understanding necessary to start a business.
Educational Organizations That Also Serve Our Students
By partnering with them to provide services for all our students.
By highlighting their efforts to our stakeholders and vice versa.
By receiving input and feedback on how to improve our organization and its services.
By strengthening community engagement efforts through collective collaboration and eliminating the mindset of ‘siloing’ educational initiatives.
Dontavious Young
Founder and Executive Director
Dontavious Young founded the Big Ideas Foundation after experiencing firsthand how systemic barriers can limit opportunities for young people in underserved communities. His commitment to empowering others was sparked by losing his best friend to violence at age 13.
At 20 years old, he opened Equal Minded Cafe on Troost Avenue in Kansas City, MO, creating a space that brings people together across racial and economic divides while supporting local entrepreneurs.
Through the Big Ideas Foundation, Young now helps students develop entrepreneurship skills and earn college credit, proving that when people are given real opportunities and support, they can create meaningful change in their communities.