Michelle Norrington & Monica Banks: Building Strong Futures for Newton County Youth — Episode 76 cover art

Michelle Norrington & Monica Banks: Building Strong Futures for Newton County Youth — Episode 76

Michelle Norrington & Monica Banks: Building Strong Futures for Newton County Youth — Episode 76

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 At its best, a community invests in the next generation. In Newton County, few organizations embody that idea more clearly than Building Strong Futures (BSF).On Episode 76 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall sit down with Michelle Norrington and Monica Banks, the co-founders and executive directors of Building Strong Futures. The conversation explores how a small idea that began in church nearly 25 years ago grew into a transformative nonprofit organization helping young people prepare for leadership, careers, and college.Recently named 2026 Organization of the Year by the Newton County Chamber of Commerce, BSF continues to expand its impact through leadership workshops, career development opportunities, and life-changing college tours.But behind the programs and recognition is a simple mission: expose young people to possibilities they may never have imagined for themselves.From Church Program to Community MovementLike many meaningful initiatives, Building Strong Futures began with a simple observation.Michelle Norrington was watching her teenage daughter and noticing something many parents eventually recognize: teenagers often reach the end of high school without truly understanding what comes next.They may not know how to prepare for college, how to present themselves professionally, or even basic etiquette and leadership skills.Michelle brought the idea to her friend Monica Banks.Together, they launched a small program at their church called Building Strong Women.Their goal was straightforward: teach young women leadership, confidence, etiquette, and life preparation through classes and mentorship.The program quickly gained traction.What began with a few girls at church grew into something much larger.Soon other churches and families across Newton County began asking to participate.Before long, they were organizing leadership classes, etiquette workshops, and an annual cotillion to celebrate the growth and development of the students involved.The response was immediate.And the mission began expanding.Why the Program Expanded to Include Young MenBy 2015, Michelle and Monica noticed something important.Parents of boys began asking a simple question:“When are you going to include our sons?”At the same time, the founders saw a growing need across the community—not just for etiquette training but for college exposure, leadership development, and career guidance for both boys and girls.So the organization evolved.Building Strong Women became Building Strong Futures, opening its programs to all students and expanding its mission to focus on broader youth development.The name change reflected a deeper vision.They weren’t just mentoring individuals.They were building futures—plural.And they were doing it one student at a time.What Building Strong Futures Actually DoesToday, Building Strong Futures operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving students across Newton County and the broader metro Atlanta region.The organization focuses on three core experiences:Leadership WorkshopsEach year begins with a series of workshops designed to prepare students for adulthood.Topics include:Financial literacyCollege admissions preparationProfessional image and presentationCareer explorationParent information sessionsStudent leadership panelsLocal professionals volunteer their time to speak with students, offering real-world insight into careers and life beyond high school.For many students, it’s the first time they hear directly from professionals about what different career paths actually look like.Career DevelopmentThe program intentionally exposes students to a wide range of careers.Not every student will go to college—and the founders acknowledge that openly.Students may pursue:College degreesTrade programsEntrepreneurshipTechnical careersThe key message is simple:“Find something you love and pursue it.”By introducing students to professionals from many industries, the program helps them imagine futures they may never have considered.The Annual College TourPerhaps the most powerful component of Building Strong Futures is the annual college tour.Each year, students travel to visit multiple universities, experiencing campus life firsthand.These trips include visits to both:HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)PWIs (Predominantly White Institutions)This intentional exposure helps students explore different academic environments and determine which setting might best fit their goals.Recent tours have included visits to schools such as:Duke UniversityHampton UniversityXavier University of LouisianaColumbia UniversityNYUMedgar Evers CollegeFor many students, these trips are their first time flying on a plane.Sometimes it’s their first time leaving Georgia.And occasionally, it’s the first time they’ve ever stepped onto a college campus.Exposure Changes EverythingOne of the most powerful themes throughout the episode is the idea...
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