Zen Way Foundation’s Program T.H.E.M. provides innovative programs that nurture students to be successful citizens that are financially literate, develop entrepreneurial mindsets, exhibit creative thinking habits and to BECOME compassionate community leaders for our future.

T.H.E.M is in Alignment with the Black Student Achievement Program, our collaboration with T.H.E.M. is to utilize the tools of creative expression and financial literacy to accomplish this mission.

LAUSD: ‘We believe that successful Black student achievement is defined by high academic performance, strong social-emotional awareness, management and positive cultural identity. Strategies and methods utilized to cultivate these things shall be directly responsive to the unique needs of Black students due in large to the historic and ongoing social and economic conditions experienced by Black people.’

Our Mission

T.H.E.M. - The HeART of an Entrepreneurial Mindset’s mission is to provide innovative programs that cater to students by helping them discover their unique gifts and strengths with the ultimate goal of enabling them to become successful, financially literate citizens with entrepreneurial mindsets, creative thinking skills, and the ability to lead with compassion and dedication for their communities - shaping a better future for all.

We recognize the brilliant talent of Black and Brown students in our community. As Community Leaders we have teamed up to make a positive impact. T.H.E.M. utilizes the tools of Creative Expression and Financial Literacy to accomplish this mission.

Programs

Financial Keys to Success:

Gordon Brown Fellows & Junior Achievement Teams up with Zen Way Foundation to create the TH.E.M. ‘Finical Keys to Success.” to offer interactive financial curriculum for our students. Students learn the keys to financially succeed in Business, the Arts and the Business of life.

Community Power Network:

Students learn the importance and benefits of networking in their community. Students meet accomplished professionals from the Creative and Financial industries (i.e. CFO’s, Producers, Photographers, Recording Artist, Museum Collected Artist …ETC) These intimate meetings foster connections that bring T.H.E.M. insight to challenges, strategies, skills it takes to acquire and excel in these positions, start & build their businesses, along with spark opportunities within these connections.

Expand Your Horizon Assembly:

T.H.E.M. offers students the opportunity to assist in the expansion of THEMselves. As an Educated and Professional team we have a wealthy network that will entertain and educate the students.

  • Our Culture Film Festival

  • We are Word Sound Power Poetry Slam & Workshop

  • Elder Wisdom Through Drum & Dance

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Founder Ronda Brown with 2023 Spring semester’s Administrative Partner, Jaime Kailani Bayot , Founder of Mama Earth. Along with continued Financial Literacy partner Maynard Brown , Founder of Gordon Brown Fellows

Outcomes of Creative Expression & Financial Literacy:

Experiment with possibility thinking

  • Provide opportunities to explore individual interests

  • Develop five core attitudes associated with creativity

  • Engage students in collaborative learning

  • Practice divergent thinking

  • Help students make connections

  • Improved rates of savings

  • Lower levels of debt

  • Increased rates of asset accumulation

  • Enhanced communication skills

  • Increased social awareness

  • Self Management

  • Better Grades

  • Boost Self - esteem

OUR IMPACT:

  • 300+ STUDENTS HELPED

  • 50+ LIVES CHANGED