Empower Your Future
Unlocking Your Potential for Success
Your Donation, Their Future.
Every contribution helps us provide mentorship, scholarships, and career opportunities for Newark’s students. Whether big or small, your support makes a difference.
Donate today and be the affect that changes a life.
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The Butterfly Affect: Turning Pain into Purpose
The Butterfly Affect is more than just a professional social club—it’s a movement to transform the futures of Newark’s youth. This initiative is deeply personal to me. My little cousin, Jeremy, lost his battle with cancer at just 16 years old. He never had the chance to go to college, but I did. We both grew up in Newark, a city where far too many young people face violence, crime, and systemic barriers that make it difficult to see college as a reality.
Jeremy’s story fuels my passion for this work. I know firsthand how hard it is to dream big when the world around you is telling you otherwise. That’s why The Butterfly Affect is dedicated to reaching Newark’s 16 high schools, providing mentorship, internships, and scholarships to help students expand their knowledge of college and career opportunities.
COLLEGE PREP PROGRAMS
We Need Your Help!
But we can’t do this alone. We’re at the beginning stages—no funding, no school partnerships yet—but we have the vision, the drive, and the commitment. And we need you.
Here’s how you can help:
💙 Donate – It’s not always about money. Your time, resources, and connections matter.
📢 Spread the word – Share this initiative with your network. Awareness is power.
👥 Get involved – Show interest, offer mentorship, or help us connect with schools and businesses.
Everyone can donate in their own way. Jeremy’s story didn’t get the ending he deserved, but together, we can change the narrative for countless students in Newark. Let’s create the ripple effect—The Butterfly Affect—so that every young person knows their dreams are within reach.
Are you ready to be a part of the change?
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WE ARE ON A
MISSION
The Mission
The mission of The Butterfly Affect is to educate high school students in Newark about college and career opportunities through a cohort-style program that builds their aspirations and equips them with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to pursue higher education and meaningful careers.
By the end of the program, students will be able to confidently apply to college, explore different career paths, and navigate the steps toward their future success. Through mentorship, internships, and scholarships, we aim to create a lasting impact that empowers students to break barriers and achieve their goals.
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College Readiness
Career Exploration
Leadership Development
College Application Assistance
Financial Aid Education
Mentorship Programs
Community Engagement
Alumni Support
Where Are We Headed?
Empowering Students for Success
The Butterfly Affect has set clear and impactful goals to guide our efforts in empowering Newark’s youth and creating pathways to higher education and successful careers. These goals focus on providing resources, building aspirations, and measuring long-term success for every student we serve.
Our top four short-term goals are:
Partnership
Recruitment
Establish relationship with Newark Public Schools.
Recruit Volunteers and Mentors for the program.
DamasjaAnderson
Damasja Anderson
Fundraise
Raise money to cover program cost.
Expand
Spread the word about the program.
Founder & Director, BTY AFFECT
A Program in the Heart of Newark:
A Story of Pride and Possibility
The Butterfly Affect is designed to be deeply rooted in the heart of Newark, specifically within the Newark Public School system. Our program will work directly with students from all 16 high schools, offering mentorship, internships, and scholarships to guide them toward higher education and successful careers. We are committed to ensuring that students in Newark have the resources and knowledge to dream big and achieve their potential.
As someone who was born and raised in Newark and went through the Newark Public Schools system, I am incredibly proud of my roots. I can attest to the richness of our community, the resilience of our youth, and the dedication of our educators. My own experience in Newark schools helped shape who I am today, and I carry that pride with me everywhere I go. However, I also recognize that we cannot solely rely on the school system to provide all the tools our students need to succeed. It takes a village.
The world outside the classroom offers opportunities that can significantly enhance our students’ futures, but these opportunities need guidance and support. That's why it truly takes a village—educators, families, local businesses, mentors, and community members all must come together to create the support systems these students deserve.
The Butterfly Affect aims to bridge the gap between the opportunities available in Newark and the knowledge our students need to access them. By offering a cohort-style program that builds their college aspirations, we empower students to apply to college, explore career paths, and develop the skills necessary to thrive. Together, we can equip the next generation of Newark leaders with the tools they need to succeed—because, just like me, they have the potential to change the world.
We Are A Village. Invest In Our Community.
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