BLASIANetwork

Invest in Youth: Strengthen Our Community

Sponsor the Building Leaders Youth Entrepreneurship Program – Summer 2026

This summer, BLASIANetwork is launching an empowering Youth Entrepreneurship Program designed to equip students with the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to succeed in today’s economy. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world business experiences, youth in our community will gain tools to build sustainable futures—for themselves and for Joplin.

But we can’t do it alone.

Why This Program Matters

In Joplin, many youth—especially those from low-income and at-risk backgrounds—lack access to career exploration, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Without these resources, students face limited pathways to economic mobility.

Our program directly addresses this gap by providing:

Entrepreneurship training using proven curriculum
Mentorship from local business leaders
Financial literacy and workforce readiness skills
Opportunities to launch and pitch real business ideas

Your Impact as a Sponsor

BLASIANetwork has been awarded 50% Missouri NAP (Neighborhood Assistance Program) Tax Credits, allowing your donation to go twice as far.

Example:
A $1,000 donation = $500 Missouri tax credit
Your real cost = just $500

This is a powerful opportunity to invest in youth while receiving a direct financial benefit.

Sponsorship Levels

🌱 Seed Sponsor – $500

Supports program materials for 1–2 students
Recognition on social media

🌿 Growth Sponsor – $1,000

Supports 3–5 students
Social media recognition
Name listed on program materials

🌳 Impact Sponsor – $2,500

Supports 8–10 students
Logo on marketing materials
Recognition at program events

🏆 Legacy Sponsor – $5,000+

Supports 15+ students
Featured sponsor spotlight
Speaking opportunity at program event
Logo placement on all promotional materials

Program Goals

Serve 36–40 low-income youth through academic and enrichment programs
Engage 30 at-risk youth in workforce and entrepreneurship training

Your sponsorship helps us move closer to these goals and expand access to life-changing opportunities.

Join Us in Building the Next Generation

When you invest in youth, you invest in the future of Joplin. Together, we can create pathways to success, strengthen our workforce, and build a more sustainable, thriving community.

👉 Become a sponsor today and make a lasting impact.

To learn more or secure your tax credits, contact BLASIANetwork or connect with us on social media.

BLASIANetwork Receives Welcoming Communities Grant to Support Belonging Initiatives in Joplin

BLASIANetwork is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a Welcoming Communities Grant from the CFO (Community Foundation of the Ozarks) in the amount of $4,738! This funding will directly support our programs and initiatives that foster belonging for residents in Joplin.

_{Welcoming Communities grant recipients. Photo by CFO.}

BLASIANetwork connects people with resources that help them thrive and build sustainable communities. With this grant, we will expand our outreach and create more opportunities for community members to feel welcomed, supported, and engaged in the growth of our city.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the CFO for their generosity and for recognizing the importance of initiatives that promote belonging and community cohesion. This grant empowers us to continue building programs that bring people together and strengthen the social fabric of Joplin.

We look forward to sharing updates on the impact of this funding and how it helps us create more welcoming spaces across our community.

Together, we can build a Joplin where everyone belongs.

Museum at Prairiefire

Museum at Prairiefire in Overland Park, KS is explorative for all ages. You can learn about prehistoric dinosaurs and look at live animals.

One of our favorite parts was the interactive game near the entrance. A dinosaur is selected at random for you to answer questions about. Once you finish, you can design a dinosaur and email it to yourself!

Big Spring

While Earth Day is every day to some, it’s great to have an entire day for everyone to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. One of our favorite places and hidden gems is Big Spring on the Ozark National Scenic Railways. Big Spring is one of the largest springs in the US and the world. We love stopping here on our commute to and from Southeast Missouri.

How do you celebrate Earth Day?

Learn more about Big Spring: https://lnkd.in/gsWEFQhC

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Going to a ball game is full of fun. There’s cheering, eating lots of yummy food, and even a chance at catching the ball. When we found out that the St. Louis Cardinals was playing against the Kansas City Royals, we had to watch.

We entered the game through Ballpark Village. Going through security was a breeze. Our tickets were scanned after going through the checkpoint. We were even allowed to bring our own water bottles—which was an expense that we saved on.