The 3D ThinkLink Initiative: We Can’t Do It Alone

It takes a team to make our 3D ThinkLink Initiative work. Fortunately, we have great partners in this project to build better lives for at-risk youth.

As we move from summertime to a new season of 3D design and printing classes for our students, we’re reminded of how many people and organizations are contributing to the success of our mission.

Topping our MVP (Most Valuable Partners) list is AOC Solutions, which is headed by YouthQuest Co-Founder and Vice President Allen Cage. He explained his dedication helping to at-risk youth recently in a post on the AOC blog:

“I’ve always believed it’s important to give back, especially to young people,” said Allen O. Cage Jr. “During my 24 years of active duty in the Army and over 20 years in business at AOC, I’ve traveled a lot and seen kids who are dealing with some tough situations. A little help can make a big difference. So I think it’s very important to raise funds and give back to these kids.”

Allen’s commitment is contagious. Many AOC employees donate their time and talents to YouthQuest, including Valerie Hightower, recipient of our 2016 Volunteer of the Year Award.

We also honored Duncan-Parnell as our 2016 Community Partner. Like previous award winners Prototype Productions, Inc. and 3D Systems, Duncan-Parnell hosts Vocational Orientation events for our students twice a year, along with providing technical support for our 3D ThinkLink Creativity Lab.

Longtime supporters like Charlie White at BLA Financial contribute in a variety of ways. Every year, Charlie donates a day of sailing the Chesapeake Bay aboard his 46-foot sloop as one of the items in our golf tournament’s silent auction. This year, Charlie was among the first to purchase a $500 Tech Pack that will empower one of our top students to serve as a mentor. He’s also promoting our Youth Mentor Program on BLA’s website. 

This is an exciting time of year. We’re coming off last month’s golf tournament, our signature annual fundraising event. In a couple of weeks, we’ll host a teacher training session and a new cycle of 3D ThinkLink classes will begin soon at the DC, Maryland and South Carolina Youth ChalleNGe Academies.

In the months ahead, we’ll expand our partnership with the PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families and Horizons Hampton Roads.

None of this would be possible without the generous support of our many partners. If you would like to join the team, please contact Operations Manager Juan Louro at juan.louro@youthquestfoundation.org or (703) 234-4633. You can also click here to make a donation.