Innovation in Children & Youth
A case study

Beyond the comfort zone: Matthew's story of transformation through entrepreneurship and art

Matthew always knew he wanted to work in art, sketching from a young age and attending fine art school for years. However, the path to a career in animation wasn't clear until his five-week journey through Dream it, Plan it, Build it—a program led by Struggle Is Your Success (SIYS) and supported by the ATB Community Foundation with a donation of $7,500. "I was always really into cartoons and like action movies... so I always just wanted to recreate that," Matthew says. The program, which focuses on entrepreneurship for at-risk youth, proved to be a transformative experience for him.

Founded by Musap (Moose) Abdelhag, a tech entrepreneur and former at-risk youth himself, “Dream It, Plan It, Build It” was built through the lens  design thinking as a preventative model—one rooted in belonging, resilience and hope. The program has had a remarkable impact in a short time, showing what’s possible when young people are given the tools and support to thrive. At its core, SIYS is dedicated to equipping marginalized and incarcerated youth with essential entrepreneurial and life skills, nurturing both innovation and crucial social-emotional abilities. Matthew's journey vividly demonstrates this.

A significant challenge for Matthew, an admitted introvert, was stepping out of his comfort zone at networking events. He recalls how Moose pushed him to engage rather than hide. This push, though uncomfortable, was invaluable. "Honestly, it was really helpful, because I feel like sometimes we aren't too hard on ourselves and we're too easy, so it's nice having somebody give that extra push," he explains. This newfound confidence, coupled with practical skills like portfolio building, directly led to a production job in animation with SIYS.

“Before this program, I was considering switching off animation," Matthew admitted. "But I waited  just one more month, and my whole world switched around in animation. I didn't think that was going to be a possibility." His journey exemplifies the program's core lesson: "just stay consistent, give it time. The fruits your labours will surely soon show." By fostering resilience and innovative problem-solving, SIYS empowered Matthew to not only pursue his passion but also to envision a clear, exciting future.

The ATB Community Foundation is focused on fostering innovation and social-emotional growth in youth, which is why supporting programs like SIYS is so crucial. ATB team members also teach financial literacy to program participants, including those who were incarcerated. Our collective support helps approximately 30 youth like Matthew develop the confidence and skills required to pursue their dreams and a brighter future. "Your whole world really can change in a matter of days, months or years.  It's really crazy," Matthew says.

His next goal? To work for an animation company in Japan, a dream now firmly within reach thanks to  his strengthened skills and renewed sense of possibility.

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The ATB Community Foundation champions a thriving, resilient and equitable society for current and future generations.  If you’re part of an organization dedicated to creating meaningful change for your community or equity-seeking group, we want to know you.