The recipient entity's physical address:
           711 Louisa Street rayville, la.71269

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           Same as above

Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          N/a

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  7966

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $165,000

What type of request is this?  General Appropriation

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Jessie Johnson- President 2104 Canal St. Apt #220 Houston,Texas 71269
Jordan Hubbard- Officer 207 Canal Street Rayville, la.71269
Erica White- Treasure/Secretary 109 Tulip Rayville.la 71269
Deanna Hubbard-Executive Director 308 Morgan St. Rayville.la 71269

Provide a summary of the project or program:
           CoolKids FUTURE LAB: Create. Discover. Build. Lead.
A Year-Round Investment in Richland Parish Youth
With the strong support and recommendation of Louisiana State Representative Francis Thompson,We seeking a $165,000 investment in the future of Richland Parish’s children—an investment in opportunity, education, nourishment, workforce preparation, and the belief that every child deserves a chance to succeed.
When the school bell rings, many children still need a safe place to learn, grow, receive encouragement, and build the skills necessary for a successful future. For children living in underserved communities, access to technology, academic enrichment, career exploration, mentorship, and consistent support can be limited. We recognizes these needs and is committed to providing meaningful opportunities that help children reach their full potential.
We will establish and strengthen a year-round youth development initiative designed to support children and youth in Richland Parish, Louisiana. The program will provide structured learning, enrichment, leadership development, career exploration, and supportive services beyond the traditional school day. The initiative will help youth discover their interests, develop practical skills, build confidence, and prepare for future educational and employment opportunities.
The need for youth-focused programs in Richland Parish is significant. According to food insecurity data from the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, approximately 21.2% of Richland Parish residents experience food insecurity, with child food insecurity estimated at 31.9%. Census data also indicate that a substantial portion of children in the parish live in households experiencing poverty. These conditions can affect children’s access to educational resources, reliable meals, enrichment activities, and opportunities to explore future careers.

For many families, the hours after school and during school breaks can present additional challenges. Children may lack access to safe, structured activities or the resources needed to continue learning outside the classroom. We help address these barriers by creating an environment where youth can receive encouragement, participate in educational activities, and develop the skills needed to thrive.
The program will also recognize the connection between food access and learning. When children are hungry, it can be difficult for them to concentrate, participate, and remain engaged. Where permitted by program requirements and funding guidelines, CoolKids will incorporate appropriate food support and nutrition-related activities to help reduce barriers to participation and support children’s well-being.
We will operate as a year-round initiative, serving youth through after-school programming, school breaks, and summer activities.
Mentoring and positive engagement: Supportive relationships with adults and staff who encourage youth to make positive choices and pursue their goals. The program will be designed to meet youth where they are, while helping them move forward.The presence of major technology and business operations in the broader NE LA. region, including Meta’s data center development, highlights the importance of preparing local youth for a changing workforce. By introducing children to technology, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and career awareness at an early age.
We understands that children’s success involves more than academics. Youth also need opportunities to manage stress, build healthy relationships, and develop emotional regulation skills.
As part of the program environment, CoolKids plans to provide a decompression room where youth can take a brief, supervised break when they feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or in need of a calmer setting.
When the bell rings, CoolKids will be there—helping children create, discover, build, and lead.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $78,000
          Professional Services. . . $20,000
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $15,000
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $0
          Operating Services. . . . $30,000
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $22,000

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          Not Applicable

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          CoolKids Youth Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth by providing educational enrichment, mentoring, wellness support, leadership development, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Our public purpose is to empower underserved youth with the resources, guidance, and supportive environment they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Through programs such as CoolKids FUTURE LAB: Create. Discover. Build. Lead., CoolKids Youth Services works to address barriers that affect children’s development, including limited access to educational resources, technology, career exploration, positive mentorship, and supportive services. Our programs promote academic achievement, creativity, leadership, communication, teamwork, confidence, responsible decision-making, and workforce readiness.

State funding will serve a public purpose by expanding access to meaningful, year-round opportunities for children and youth in Richland Parish, Louisiana. The requested investment will help provide educational and technology enrichment, mentoring, career exploration, leadership activities, appropriate food support, and a safe, supportive environment that encourages positive development and emotional well-being.

CoolKids Youth Services seeks to prepare the next generation to become productive, confident, and engaged members of their communities. By investing in youth today, we strengthen families, support the community, and help prepare young people for future educational opportunities, employment, and long-term success.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          CoolKids FUTURE LAB: Create. Discover. Build. Lead.
The primary goal of CoolKids FUTURE LAB is to provide underserved children and youth in Richland Parish, Louisiana, with year-round educational enrichment, leadership development, technology exposure, career exploration, and supportive services that promote academic, personal, and workforce success.

Through this initiative, CoolKids Youth Services will create meaningful opportunities for youth to discover their strengths, develop practical skills, build confidence, and prepare for future educational and employment opportunities.
Goal 1: Expand access to year-round educational enrichment.
Provide structured after-school, school-break, and summer activities that encourage learning, creativity, and academic engagement.

Objectives:

- Offer educational and enrichment activities throughout the program year.
- Provide opportunities for youth to strengthen academic skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
- Encourage participation in STEM, technology, creative learning, and hands-on activities.

Goal 2: Increase career awareness and workforce readiness.
Introduce youth to career pathways, workplace expectations, and skills needed for future employment.

Objectives:

- Provide career exploration and workforce-readiness activities.
- Strengthen communication, teamwork, responsibility, and decision-making skills.
- Expose youth to technology, entrepreneurship, innovation, and potential career opportunities.

Goal 3: Promote leadership and positive youth development.
Help youth build confidence, leadership abilities, positive relationships, and a sense of responsibility.

Objectives:

- Provide activities that encourage leadership, goal-setting, and community involvement.
- Support positive decision-making, self-confidence, and personal growth.
- Encourage youth to work collaboratively and respect others.

Goal 4: Provide a safe and supportive environment.
Create a welcoming environment where youth can learn, grow, and receive encouragement.

Objectives:

- Maintain a structured and supportive program setting.
- Promote emotional regulation, positive social interaction, and healthy coping skills.
- Provide a supervised decompression space for youth who need a brief, calm break from activities.

Goal 5: Reduce barriers to participation for underserved youth.
Expand access to meaningful opportunities for children who may face financial, educational, or resource-related challenges.

Objectives:

- Provide accessible year-round programming for eligible youth.
- Incorporate appropriate program supports, including nutrition-related assistance where allowable.
- Connect youth and families with available community resources when additional support is needed.

Expected Results

CoolKids FUTURE LAB intends to increase youth access to educational enrichment, improve career awareness, strengthen leadership and communication skills, encourage positive decision-making, and provide a supportive environment that promotes personal growth.

Program participation, attendance, activity records, and feedback from youth and families will be used to monitor progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the initiative.

Through these goals and objectives, CoolKids Youth Services will work to prepare Richland Parish youth to become confident, capable, and engaged members of their communities, ready to pursue further education, employment, and long-term success.

What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           12 months

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                 N/a
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                 N/a

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                 N/a

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                  N/a

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               N/a

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
               N/a

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
                N/a

          What is the nature of the relationship?  N/a

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                 N/a

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               N/a


Contact Information
name:  deanna hubbard 
                                       address:  308 Morgan St.
Rayville, LA 71269
                                       phone:  3184882648
                                       fax:  N/a
                                       e-mail:  Deanna.hubbard@coolkidsinc.org
                                       relationship to entity:  Executive director