In January of 2018, a group of freshmen from the Metro School began their journey as the pilot class of The Legacy Project. This group of ninth graders gathered at The Ohio State University for an orientation into this new “grit” and coaching-focused youth empowerment program, sponsored by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and The Hagedorn Legacy Foundation. In May of 2021, those students celebrated their graduation from The Legacy Project.
Through individualized coaching, career mentor relationships, real-world career opportunities and immersive learning experiences, The Legacy Project develops students through a multi-discipline curriculum. During their four years in the program, students are challenged through character strength skill and entrepreneurial mindset development, financial literacy and customized goal-pursuit. Students who complete the program receive a $20,000 scholarship toward post-secondary education.
“When we launched The Legacy Project, we set out to help students unlock and grow their grit so they could ultimately define their own future and what success looks like to them,” said Jim King, president, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation. “As we watch our pilot class graduate, each student has used their experiences in the program to go after their dreams on their own terms.”
All of the students from the graduating class have detailed goals and plans to continue their education, with nearly half attending The Ohio State University.
“With support from The Legacy Project, I have the opportunity to be the first in my family to attend college and study nursing,” said Anasarai Juarez-Santiago, Metro class of 2021. “During my time in the program, I really developed my “bravery” character strength which will help me face any challenge.”