It was 2020 and Micah was a sophomore in high school, looking for a summer job. COVID-19 was in full force, limiting job opportunities for teens, but his friends invited him to interview for a StreetLeader role.
Micah showed up mature, steady, and bright. Even with the increased competition for jobs, he was an obvious hire! Micah excelled as a mentor for younger kids, enjoyed the variety of opportunities the program offered, maintained a positive outlook, and soon took on peer leadership roles.
“You wouldn’t have guessed everything he was navigating behind the scenes,” reflects Tony Vega, StreetLeader Director
It wasn’t until StreetLeaders were sharing care bags with some of our un-housed neighbors that Micah shared his own history of homelessness, living in a family shelter for several years.
Micah’s family was navigating complex challenges. For kids in high-poverty communities, there are countless obstacles—big and small—that can create barriers to a young person pursuing their desired path.
Even someone as impressive as Micah.
This is often where UrbanPromise is at its best—where the magic can really happen!
Because when young people are hired, they’re not just getting a job. They’re entering a community of support that joins them and their families in navigating the critical transition from childhood to adulthood, from high school to college or career.
Micah had loads of potential, and all he needed was the opportunities to unleash it. And by being with him throughout the process, UrbanPromise helped to unlock opportunities and help Micah overcome barriers.
When Micah wasn’t sure college was for him
✓ staff showed him it was possible
When he wasn’t sure where he’d go
✓ a StreetLeader tour of Stockton impressed him
Paperwork was overwhelming
✓ staff offered step-by-step support
There was a gap between financial aid and tuition
✓ our alumni scholarship program covered the difference
In moments of doubt
✓ trusted mentors provided encouragement
Reflecting on the challenges, Micah shared, “It was stressful, and there were moments where I felt like it might not be worth it. But people at Urban—especially Tony and Tam—kept encouraging me to push through.
In 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Paul says he “planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” What an honor it is to be part of this work, to play a role on the path of young people like Micah. To show up, support him, and provide opportunities.
And Micah is thriving at Stockton University! Only one semester left and he’ll have a Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Arts with a minor in Digital Studies. He’s been a Resident Assistant (RA) since he was a sophomore (a role typically reserved for juniors and seniors).
Micah may not have known what he was getting into when he applied to be a StreetLeader six years ago, but it was far more than a summer job. It was a committed mentorship, new opportunities, and practical support.
“Once you start at UrbanPromise, if you want to, you’ll always have a community, for the rest of your life.” —Micah
This is where you can make a difference.
We have a goal to hire 70 teens this summer. It costs $1,840 to employ each teen—a bargain when you consider the doors it will open for our youth.
Your support will help to unleash the potential of young people like Micah! Will you partner with us to make it happen?
Lindsey Markelz
VP of Finance & Development
P.S. Micah has excelled as an RA. He credits his time at UrbanPromise in preparing him for the RA role, “You’re dealing with people, schedules, emotions—it’s a lot. But Urban prepared me for that kind of ‘controlled chaos.’ Managing kids all summer, being responsible for others—it builds a level of resilience and responsibility that carries over.”
