Economic Development & Empowerment Program

The Foundation of HOPE was founded by Keasha Haythe, CEcD, an economic development veteran and certified economic development professional. She continued her passion for economic development by creating the Economic Development and Empowerment Program for girls in rural Easton, MD, located in Talbot County.  This program serves girls in the sixth grade attending Easton Middle School.

Our mission is to help young girls lead productive lives in their communities by providing cultural, social and educational development. The goal of the Economic Development and Empowerment Program is to encourage them to be viable contributors to the future workforce, help build a stronger community, and provide important tools for self-sufficiency. Over the course of sixteen weeks, participants delve into topics ranging from self-esteem, bullying, and social media to workforce development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and much more.

The program is results-oriented and each girl who graduates from our program is monitored through the 12th grade. The outcomes we expect from the girls are that they will learn soft skills they can use in the real world -especially in their community - to be great leaders. Additionally, whether or not they are entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial, they will obtain the applicable skills to lead a productive life.  At the end of the entrepreneurship lesson, the girls will have created a business plan to share with family and friends. At this point in their studies, they will have the knowledge to determine whether they would be able to make a profit as an entrepreneur and if they have a market to sell their product or service. 

In the field of economic development, we continue to hear from employers that job candidates lack soft skills and are not prepared to be in the workforce. It is our priority to ensure that girls who complete the Economic Development and Empowerment Program are prepared when they obtain a job. We have established partnerships and continue to seek more partners and donors so we can continue to deliver a phenomenal program to help local girls accomplish their dreams!

Watch the video below to see some highlights from our 2025 Certificate Ceremony and hear from our girls what they enjoyed learning about in the program!

  • 1) Developing self-esteem

    2) How to deal with bullying

  • 1) Exercise and eating healthy

    2) Saying no to drugs and alcohol

  • The importance of helping others (community service)

  • 1) How to interview, i.e., questions to ask, SWOT analysis of myself, what are my strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

    2) How to dress

    3) Writing a resume

    4) Filling out an application

    5) Importance of a good record/not getting in trouble (security clearance for the future)

  • 1) Time, calling if I am going to be late/sick

    2) Providing good customer service

    3) Realize I am building my character

  • Managing my money and setting up a budget now that I have a job

  • 1) How does it work? What is it?

    2) How ED connects to me or my family and friends having a job or not

    3) How do businesses come to my area

  • 1) Grades for Middle and High School

    2) Afterschool activities

    3) Preparing for college/trade/workforce

  • 1) I have an idea, I want to be an entrepreneur, what do I do, how do I get there?

    2) Developing a business plan

    3) Final plan will be a project to display and sell to family and friends

  • 1) Answer questions from the girls to make sure they understand the material

    2) Vision Board project and presentation

  • The girls celebrate their accomplishments with a fun and educational field trip!