There is a dire need for economic and leadership development in South Baton Rouge, with little to no opportunities or avenues for education alternatives or  entrepreneurship for youth. Youth deserve the opportunity to learn to navigate through the process of creating sustainable futures for themselves through career development or business ownership.  

 The youth of South Baton Rouge have also gone without an alternative to detention or education for over three years.  The lack of alternative to detention has resulted in non-violent youthful offenders to incarceration simply because there is no alternative available.  Research has shown that youth need to be in their least restrictive environment in order to thrive.   

We need safe spaces that provide enrichment in South Baton Rouge that youth are able to access after school hours.   City officials and citizens have long complained about the lack of activities available for youth after school hours.  This has resulted in many youth being harmed or caught up in the juvenile justice system.  All youth deserve to have access to environments that celebrate their diverse and intersectional identities and experiences.  These spaces have proven to create positive outcomes for youth.   

There is also a need for healing for all youth in Baton Rouge, especially after enduring an intense year of tragedy in 2016.  EmpowerBR seeks to help with the healing process by providing these avenues and pathways to success and safe, sustainable futures for youth in Baton Rouge.