Summer Launch Project 2024

From Vision to Reality: A Summer of Transformation and Innovation

About the Summer Launch Project

What is the Summer Launch Project?

The Summer Launch Project is an annual initiative within the Transformation Guild mentoring program. Its main objective is to bring together program members and encourage them to establish new projects or expand the scope of existing ones. The idea behind this project is to tap into the potential of the Transformation Guild and launch innovative initiatives every summer that can benefit from its resources and support.

Why Summer?

The Summer Launch Project takes place during the summer because the mentoring program is specifically designed for students, and summer is a time when students are typically free from their academic commitments. By organizing the project during this period, without the constraints of regular academic responsibilities, students have the opportunity to dedicate their energy and attention to developing innovative ideas and making significant progress on their projects, either launching new or expanding existing ones.

The idea behind the Summer Launch Project is to foster constant growth within the Transformation Guild and its members. By regularly introducing new initiatives and expanding the scope of existing projects, the guild can continuously evolve and remain at the forefront of innovation. The summer timeframe provides a designated period for this purpose, allowing for consistent growth and development within the program.

Key Collectives Powering Our Program

Technology 4 Causes

The mission of Technology 4 Causes (T4C) is to support specialized assistance programs and charitable initiatives, expanding their positive impact through the multiplying powers of technology, networking, and collaboration.

The vision of Technology 4 Causes is to operate numerous Mentoring Programs, Technology Assistance Programs, Sports 4 Causes Programs, and Helping Hubs. The combination of these initiatives creates a powerful multiplying effect for all T4C activities powered by a common technology platform and philanthropic infrastructure.

Transformation Guild

The Transformation Guild is a mentoring program of Technology 4 Causes, which was launched by the Kutcher Foundation in collaboration with DICORP, Inc. to create a powerful philanthropic impact through the multiplying forces of technology. The Guild is dedicated to harnessing the power of writing and technology to create a positive impact in society. Our primary focus is to engage and inspire young writers to craft compelling stories that encourage involvement in non-profit organizations and charitable initiatives. By providing guidance and instruction through mentorship, we ensure that these young writers receive the necessary support to thrive. Through their participation in this program, they gain invaluable experience while contributing to a greater cause.

2024 Initiatives

Launching Our Service Missions

This year we've established and launched new service missions:

Gear 4 Kids (G4K): An initiative dedicated to providing sports equipment to underprivileged youth, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to participate in sports and physical activities.

2024 Accomplishments:

  • Outreach and Feedback: We have engaged with local coaches in our community to gather insights on how our services can best meet their teams and players needs and support their various programs.
  • Brainstorming and Workshopping: Our team has been actively brainstorming and workshopping ideas to create a G4K landing page, ensuring it effectively communicates our mission while engaging potential supporters.
  • Community Awareness: We are focused on raising awareness about our initiative within the community, bringing donation boxes to local events and aiming to build strong support networks to increase visibility for our cause.
  • Shocks 4 Jocks (S4J)
    • S4J is an initiative aimed at spreading AED awareness.
    • So far we've created a form for people who've been saved by an AED or witnessed someone being saved by an AED so they can share their success stories.

Sacco Foundation Network

We have endeavored to create a network for past and future Sacco Foundation winners to communicate. This network will hopefully lead to a multiplying effect of more scholarship funds as well as the formation of a close community of scholars.

Tee Up 4 Impact

We created a page for a T4C initiative, Tee Up 4 Impact; a golf fundraiser which was held at Winters Run Golf Course! This exciting event aims to raise funds for Technology 4 Causes (T4C), an initiative dedicated to driving positive change through technology. By helping garner participation, we help people enjoy a great day of golf while also supporting a worthy cause. Click learn more to see our work on Tee Up 4 Impact.

Volunteerism Harford Storytelling

We create pages that share the stories of volunteers.

Updating Current Landing Pages

This year, a new version of the software we use to create these pages was developed to make our work easier. One of our first tasks was to recreate our old work using the new software, which we have titled Version 2. The pages we've recreated are our Baseball4Causes, Transformation Guild, and Technology4Causes pages.

Writers

Jacob Freeland

Jacob is a John Carroll alumnus from the class of 2022 and is currently a rising junior at the University of Miami, pursuing a double major in Marketing and Art. He hopes this job will provide him with valuable experience in a professional workplace and the opportunity to make a difference by assisting nonprofits in the community. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, hiking, film photography, and scuba diving. 

Joseph Kutcher

Joseph is a John Carroll alumnus who is currently a rising junior at Towson University, class of 2026, and is double majoring in English and Mass Communication. With a passion for writing, journalistic and creative, he joined the Transformation Guild to gain professional experience while doing what he loves. In his free time he enjoys playing either soccer or basketball with his friends.

Sylvia Woosley

Sylvia Woosley is a rising junior at the John Carroll school. She has an affinity for both writing and computer science, which she plans to pursue going into college. In her free time, Sylvia participates in the John Carroll SGA, Architecture, Engineering, and Design Club, Academic Team, Cross-Country team, and Track and Field Team. When she is not in school, Sylvia enjoys volunteering at her church, baking, and hiking. By participating in the Technology 4 Causes transformation guild, Sylvia hopes to develop her writing and technology skills while also getting more experience working in a professional environment. 

Diana Woosley

Diana Woosley is a proud 2020 North Harford High School graduate and a 2024 graduate of the University of South Carolina, where she earned a bachelor's degree in environmental science. Diana has been deeply involved in sustainability and community service throughout her academic life where she was an active member of Sustainable Carolina, Delta Zeta, and Green Greeks. She hopes that working with Technology 4 Causes will continue to allow her to grow professionally while supporting local non-profits. Through this opportunity, Diana aims to enhance her technology skills, develop meaningful relationships, and make a positive impact in her community. In her free time, Diana enjoys reading, playing tennis, and volunteering at local animal shelters. She is passionate about sustainability and is committed to making a difference both professionally and personally. 

Mentors

Chris Roberts

Chris Roberts is a dedicated educator and proud graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, with a degree in Secondary Education and History. He recently completed his first year of teaching 6th grade English Language Arts at North Harford Middle School. As he enters his second year, Chris is excited to transition to teaching 7th grade English Language Arts, bringing fresh ideas and a passion for fostering critical thinking and creativity in his students. His enthusiasm and dedication make him a great fit for the Transformation Guild where he can use his talents and experience to teach young writers and help them grow even while school is not in session.

Matthew Blair

An integral part of the John Carroll community since 1999, Matthew currently teaches sophomore English and serves as the English Department Chair. Matthew has a genuine love for teaching and working with students, and in 2022 he was named JC Educator of the Year by the student body.
When presented with the opportunity to utilize his English skills to contribute to education while promoting various community causes, he felt a deep sense of duty to become a mentor. With Matthew’s guidance, our operation has become more effective, and the proficiency of our writers has steadily improved.

Kathryn Yurechko

Kathryn (Katie) Yurechko graduated as Valedictorian and recipient of the highest student honor from Washington and Lee University in May 2024, where she studied Computer Science and Philosophy and minored in Poverty and Human Capability Studies. As a Bonner Scholar, she engaged in nearly 1,800 hours of community service, including redesigning a local community foundation's website. Katie will begin an MSc in Social Science of the Internet at the University of Oxford in Fall 2024. With her innate leadership ability and vast amount of experience, she plays a tremendous role in providing mentorship to the young writers of the Transformation Guild. Katie is also a certified meditation instructor, as well as an avid jigsaw puzzler and a serial pun-maker in her free time.