Milne Inspiration Center

The MIC-AMPED is a cultural community collaborative center of learning that provides an opportunity for community development and social enterprise for young people who have a vision, desire and passion to be contributors to their respective and global communities by being movement builders and change the game of the social, economic and cultural landscapes of their communities through social entrepreneurship, arts, culture, and education.

MIC serves middle and high school students between the ages of 12 and 18 years old. Additionally, we serve out-of-school and unemployed opportunity youth who may or may not have been in the juvenile justice system. We support youth leadership development to produce global empathetic change agents through five pathways of engagement: Transformative Education, Global & Cultural Connection, Workforce Development & Social Enterprise, Health & Wellness, and Civic Engagement. We have been an active 501c3 for 7 years and provide year-round programming for teens and young adults. The Milne Inspiration Center has also provided over 425 young people, in 7 cities, and 2 countries with extensive and exciting culturally collaborative learning opportunities.

Our summer program, AMPED (Adolescent Making Positive Educated Decisions) focuses on social and economic entrepreneurship skill building, leadership development, and global citizenry. Over the course of six weeks, participants will be placed into three entrepreneurship tracks (silk screening, healthy cooking, and up-cycling furniture making) for the duration of the camp. Participants will choose their tracks, design and make all products from beginning to end, learn the basics of entrepreneurship while building new skills. During the last week, participants will sell most of their products to raise funds for the "Legacy Strong" Summit where we will send 20 American youth to South Africa for a transformative experience focused on ancestral adoration, cultural competency, and cooperation taking place in December 2019.

Introducing low-income youth of color to global citizenry:
* Increase communication, critical thinking, and self-management skills
* Support better conflict resolutions methods
* Increase participation in the global economy
* Best practices for approaching global development responsibly
* Protection of human rights and promotions of equity and equality
* Support innovative creativity to mental, social, and economic issues facing communities and individuals
* Broaden youth horizons enabling students to relate their studies in maths, science, humanities, languages, arts, sports and literature to the wider concept of being a global citizen
and to their personal place in the local and wider society.

Testimonials

It's not enough words to express how a chance meeting with Le'Kedra changed not only my son's life but mine as well. Sanjay was bullied in school for being gay and had severe self-esteem issues. He expressed that kids would pretend to be his friend and then talk about him behind his back. He expressed he really wanted people to like him. When he signed up for MIC-AMPED, Sanjay was skeptical about the kids and the staff. He was afraid of another group of individuals teasing and bullying him. After his first day, Sanjay was excited about being a Game Changer, but most of all acceptance from his peers. He constantly talked about how the staff was lovable and he was happy to be a part of it. I was excited and had to see for myself. After my first meeting, I started volunteering and fell in love with the organization. We love MIC-AMPED and appreciate all they do for the kids and community.
~ Sedaka (MIC-AMPED Parent)

MIC-AMPED isn't just a program, it's a family. It has shaped me into who I am today, supporting me through my journey from a young boy to a young Man.
~ Jacolbie (MIC-AMPED Game Changer)

Le'Kedra and the MIC-AMPED curriculum changed my life. It birthed the leader and public servant in me. I've become a successful social entrepreneur because of it.
~Tyra Banks Sterling

MIC-AMPED is truly a "GAME CHANGING" program! It has been a breath of fresh air, as a parent, to feel confident that staff & volunteers have compassion, commitment, and high expectation for our children.

We (my daughter & I) have been honored to be a part of the wealth of learning/ growth opportunities, locally and internationally, while looking forward to what our futures hold with this program!
~Eshantti Smith-Trask (Zorah Trask) Parent/MIC-AMPED Game Changer

MIC-AMPED was the catalyst for my daughter's change in focus. Forever thankful for the care and support of its staff and vision.
~Julius Ezeb (MIC-AMPED Parent)

MIC-AMPED has had a major impact on me and my two girls. It gives you a forever family, to always be a part of something great. It has helped me as a single mother adjust to raising adolescent young ladies transitioning from little girls to young ladies...