When you invest in youth, you invest in the future of entire communities

Our Vision

We envision a world where every young person, regardless of their location, background or circumstance, has the power to be a self-sustaining leader with drive, ambition and big dreams.

At the B.E.S.T. program, we know that real change happens when we build with our youth, collaborating with families, businesses, neighbors, and volunteers to transform what’s possible.

It’s more than a summer club or an after-school program: this is a movement toward generational impact.

Our Mission

The B.E.S.T. Program (Building Effective Solutions Together) sa 501(c)93) nonprofit dedicated to fueling the futures for youth in Atlanta.

Our mission is to connect young people with mentors, businesses, and neighborhoods with resources so we can ignite potential, break cycles and build lasting support systems.

Our Pillars

  • Two people high fiving to stand for empowering youth

    Youth Empowerment

    We serve to empower K-12 students with programs that address emotional, cognitive and social deelopment during the critical middle school years. They don’t just participate, they lead.

    We seek to ensure:

    Every youth has access to enriching, high-quality experiences

    Help youth become confident, self sufficient leaders

    Each young person is directly involved in shaping the programs we provide 

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    Lasting Impact

    We are committed to making real, lasting impact, and to track every story that we help to shape. Through data and personal stories, we measure how lives are changing by working with us. Our ultimate goal is to create lasting impact and empower youth to rise with dignity and confidence, so they can achieve their goals; whether they launch businesses, lead in their community and create sustainable future.

  • Healing heart

    Healing Trauma and Expanding Choices

    Too many young people grow up thinking that their only options are survival or struggle. They face deep-rooted challenges, from traumatic experiences, lack of guidance, to generational poverty. All of which limit young people’s vision on what’s possible for them. At B.E.S.T., we offer a different path; we recognize trauma shapes behavior and we respond with compassion, mentorship, and opportunity. We show young people that they have choices and the power to write their own story.

  • two hands holding plants, representing equity amongst everyone in the world

    Addressing Inequality With Purpose

    Atlanta has the highest income inequality rate in the US, which is an alarming reminder that opportunities aren’t equally distributed. This shouldn’t be the norm and rather highlights the urgency of our work. All residents deserve equal opportunities to learn, work, lead, and contribute to a thriving community. Here at B.E.S.T., our commitment to equity is intentional.

    We center racial equity in our programs

    We invest in community-informed solutions that reflect local lived experiences

    We create pathways that lift individuals and close the systemic gaps that hold entire communities back.

Our Board of Directors

  • Image of David wearing a backwards World Series cap in a profile shot, facing left

    David McRae, Founder

    With over 15 years of experience in juvenile counseling and emergency medical services, David is an entrepreneur dedicated to fostering social justice.

    He holds an A.A. in Emergency Medicine and believes that leaders develop other leaders.

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    Lexi Janaue, Secretary

    Lexi has a background in Behavioral and mental health specialist she is a Student and is passionate about youth empowerment and volunteerism.

  • Image of Jekayla smiling at the camera with her hand under her chin

    Jekayla Claxton, Treasurer

    Jekayla has over 7 years of experience as an accountant in corporate banking. She holds a B.A. from the University of Georgia.

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    Calvin Clayton

    Calvin has over 25 years of experience in corporate and private grant management and program development. He holds an MBA and a B.A. in Professional Studies.