Subway Chief Chief Development Officer Joins Brave Enough To Fail Board

Brave Enough To Fail welcomes new board of directors member Don Fertman

Don Fertman

Don Fertman began his career with the Subway restaurant chain in 1979. Don subsequently went on to work his way up the Subway company ladder as publications writer and editor, company photographer, public relations manager, franchise sales manager, and director of development prior to achieving the status of chief development officer in 2010. Moreover, Fertman appeared incognito as “John Wilson” working at several Subway restaurants on the hit CBS reality TV series Undercover Boss and Epic Boss in 2010 and 2013.

Don brings a high level of expertise, visibility and fundraising power to BETF.

Brave Enough To Fail is a nonprofit that provides SEL-based student motivational programs and scholarships to middle and high schools.

For more information and to learn how you can support Brave Enough To Fail’s mission to inspire students email us info@braveenoughtofail.org

Or visit us www.braveenoughtofail.org

ViacomCBS Director Joins Brave Enough To Fail Board

Brave Enough To Fail welcomes new board of directors member David Glass

Dave Glass is current director of scripted and unscripted campaigns for the Branded Programming and Influencer division of ViacomCBS.

His duties include creative direction, strategic development, and the generation of ideas and executions for all campaigns at $500K and above. Clients include Hershey’s, Traveler’s Insurance, and NFL Game Pass. His work currently appears on MTV, VH1, and CMT 

Dave’s expertise along with his personal qualities of self-motivation, dedication, and perseverance make him a powerful addition team at Brave Enough to Fail.

Brave Enough To Fail is a nonprofit that provides SEL-based student motivational programs and scholarships to middle and high schools.

For more information and to learn how you can support Brave Enough To Fail’s mission to inspire students email us info@braveenoughtofail.org

Or visit us www.braveenoughtofail.org

Local Company Steps In To Inspire Students

Pro Property Management of Brookfield has stepped forward as the first local business to sponsor Brave Enough To Fail’s Boss Academy. 

The 12-week course is now being provided to students at Faith Preparatory School in New Milford. 

Adrianne Angel, co-owner of Pro Property Management says,

“As a small family owned company, Pro Property Management enjoys the opportunity to support  multiple community based programs .  When we heard about the Brave Enough to Fail program we immediately knew it aligned perfectly with our passion for giving back.   Muhammad Ali said it best, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” We look forward to partnering with the Boss Academy so together we can help future generations achieve their dreams.”

Brave Enough To Fail’s Boss Academy equips students with practical and actionable tools, including goal-setting, strategic planning, and effective communication to achieve success in school and beyond. 

Boss Academy also helps students develop in the five SEL core areas of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. 

Brave Enough To Fail’s mission is to close the achievement gap between lower-income students and their more affluent peers by cultivating a new generation of leaders creators, and achievers.

Click here to learn how you or your company can help

Anonymous Donor Gives $15,000 To Inspire Students

Some people just want to see you succeed. Case in point, an anonymous donor has sown a $15,000 seed into Brave Enough To Fail’s online fundraiser, to help the nonprofit grow to the next level. The person does not want their name released or any form of personal recognition. They just want to help Brave Enough To Fail inspire more students to succeed. They are also hoping that their action will inspire others to give as well.

A collaboration of people working together to help our students in these trying times.

New Milford based, Brave Enough To Fail, is a student-focused nonprofit that provides free motivational programs, scholarships, and SEL-based courses to middle and high school students nationwide.

Wayne Winsley, founder and CEO commented,

“Our mission is closing the achievement gap for low-income students and cultivating a new generation of leaders, creators, & achievers. Between the COVID-19 closures and the social unrest in our nation, students in lower-income and minority schools need all the encouragement they can get!”

Donations go directly toward funding scholarships, the Boss Academy elective or after school course, and other motivational programs.

Brave Enough To Fail, lets students know that their dreams matter and their education is key to making those dreams come true.

Please click here and make a donation today to help us reach the schools and students that desperately need this program.  

Over the past five years Brave Enough To Fail has reached over 15,000 students and awarded $50,000 in scholarships to students attending  college or trade school. Brave Enough To Fail scholars have a 90% college graduation rate!

The “Boss of your dream” presentation motivates and inspires students with the courage to pursue their dreams.

BETF’s Boss Academy is a 12 week SEL-based course, available as an elective or after-school program, that equips students with the tools needed to achieve their dreams. 

The up to $5,000 in scholarships at each school served provides financial aid to make those dreams happen.

You can help Brave Enough To Fail reach their goal of $250,000 by making a donation here.

https://www.braveenoughtofail.org/

The Man Behind the Movement

Everyone has a dream – a dream to be a dancer, a dream to be an artist, or a dream to be anything they can fulfill in life. Some people may be apprehensive to follow their dreams due to current circumstances and believing that their dreams may be ruined because of it – not to Wayne Winsley. Now, who is Wayne Winsley? Wayne Winsley, is a former radio broadcaster, and speaker for Monster Worldwide’s Making it Count Program in 2010, where he spoke at over 200 high schools nationwide. Wayne focused on one main goal – to motivate and guide young individuals to pursue their aspirations.

While working for the Making It Count Program, Wayne realized something very crucial: educators were desperate for programs that would help more students become engaged and invested in their own education. But the schools that need it and would benefit from such programs, have no funds to put towards them. Therefore, Wayne decided to be a helping hand, and did it for a personal reason too.

At 14 years old, Wayne faced a variety of issues. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he was raised by his great grandmother until she was unable to take care of him. Eventually, Wayne was transferred into the child welfare system, became an orphan, and was also placed in Boys Town – an organization designed to nurture abused or neglected teenage boys and develop them into responsible men. During these tough times, Wayne failed the eight grade and when his second year came around, he quit attending school. He had no interest in going back for a while, leading him on a path toward prison or the cemetery.

“If you added up the days that I went to school that year without skipping any classes, it would probably add up to about two weeks,” Wayne mentioned.

There was a conversation he had overheard from a friend and his friend’s father one day. They discussed the importance of succession,“Always strive for excellence. I don’t care what you do, just be excellent at something because excellence will overcome poverty, prejudice, and adversity every time.” Because of this statement, Wayne began to change his ways and returned to school to finish what he started. That choice changed the trajectory of his life. Wayne is living proof that a positive message can transform you and your life. He has dedicated himself to delivering that message to as many young people as possible. As a result, the Brave Enough to Fail Program was born.

In 2015, Wayne launched Brave Enough to Fail (BETF)  as a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit providing free motivational speeches and scholarships to high schools and high school students at no cost. This program is the first organization to combine motivational messaging, ongoing support, and financial aid in one package to help students succeed in school and beyond. For the past four years, BETF has reached over 15,000 students ranging from New York to Washington state, having scholarship winners attending a dozen different colleges and trade schools nationwide. Schools across the country are now discovering the BETF program, valuing its potential impact and requesting it for other students. 26 states have reached out to seek this program for their school districts. The demand has been expected to increase exponentially as educators are seeking tools to assist their students to re-engage after the COVID-19 closures.

“I see our organization as something similar to Amazon in 1995. It’s this thing that hasn’t been done before and many don’t understand what it is yet, but as it grows more people will realize what it is and what it’s doing and want to be a part of it,” Wayne said.

BETF has been growing and will continue to grow over time. Most recently, the educational leadership of Bridgeport, Connecticut requested the program for all high schools in the city for the upcoming school year. From the hard work Wayne has put into making this program possible, he is glad to see a positive outcome from it. Despite the obstacles he experienced, Wayne found a strategy to overcome his failures and now uses it as a major platform for his success in guiding young individuals to a better path.

After all, there is a fundamental law of success that says, “Solve a problem or fill a need.” You can do either or to fulfill someone’s dream.

https://www.braveenoughtofail.org/

Good News! Local Company Supports Local Nonprofit

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit everyone hard, especially nonprofits. With the majority of funding being shifted to much-needed immediate relief efforts, organizations focused in other vital areas have had to take a back seat.

New Milford based Brave Enough To Fail is no exception. BETF is a student focused nonprofit that provides free motivational programming and scholarships to high schools

But because of COVID-19 they lost their major grant funding that was earmarked to fund scholarships for this year.

So Brave Enough To Fail is asking local companies to please help by sponsoring a scholarship or donating anything they can toward the effort.

The Adolf Krueger Plumbing and Heating Company in Bethel was the first to step up and answer the call with a very generous donation of $1,000 to cover one scholarship.

Jillian Krueger talked about why they support Brave enough To Fail.

We support Brave Enough To Fail because reaching children in their formative years is vital but often overlooked.  This is when their sense of self worth has the most impact on their decision making and their lives.  If people have the confidence and courage to believe they can accomplish their dreams that makes all the difference and that is part of what BETF gives them.  I wish I had been exposed to this program when I was growing up because all who are, are blessed.

Wayne Winsley, BETF founder and CEO said, “When things get tough you have to get creative. Most of our Brave Enough To Fail scholarship winners are first-generation college students from Greater Danbury who would be the first in their families to earn a degree.
They are depending on these vital scholarships to help them pursue their dreams and higher education.

So we reached out to the local business community for help. Adolph Krueger Company immediately stepped up and said yes. I can’t thank them enough for that!”

Brave Enough To Fail is seeking to raise $10,000 to cover scholarships for students this year.

If you or your company would like to help, contact Wayne Winsley wayne@braveenoughtofail.org or donate directly here

https://www.braveenoughtofail.org/

Working Together To Help Students Succeed

Two graduates of Faith Preparatory School in New Milford received scholarships as a result of the partnership between Kiwanis Club of Greater Danbury and Brave Enough To Fail.

Current Kiwanis President Abigail Adams made the presentations during Faith Prep’s senior graduation ceremony which was held outdoors at the Faith Campus on Danbury Road in New Milford.

Madelyn Egbert received a $1,000 scholarship toward her studies at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Lindsey Moylan received a $1,000 scholarship toward her studies at Northpoint Bible College.

Kiwanis President Abigail Adams awards the scholarships to the winners.

Brave Enough To Fail is a student-focused, educational nonprofit that provides free motivational programs and scholarships to high school students. The mission is to narrow the achievement and opportunity gaps by cultivating a new generation of leaders, creators, and achievers.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Danbury believes that by working together, members achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone. When you give a child the chance to learn, experience, dream, grow, succeed and thrive, great things happen.

For more information contact Danbury Kiwanis https://www.kiwanisct.org/

Brave Enough To Fail info@braveenoughtofail.org

A Hedge Against The COVID-19 Achievement Gap

Brave Enough To Fail is a student-focused educational nonprofit that provides free motivational presentations, scholarships, and other resources to high school students.

Our mission is to cultivate a new generation of leaders, creators, and achievers by raising student achievement and inspiring young people with the courage to pursue their dreams.

Our focus is closing the achievement and opportunity gaps between traditionally underserved, low-income, minority population students and their more affluent peers.  

We are fighting for the underdog, young people that are showing signs of disengagement and disconnection in high school. A population of youth who, in the face of this unprecedented pandemic, will need support and inspiration even more than ever.

When schools reopen, educators will need every tool possible in order to re-engage, inspire, and motivate students to invest themselves in their own education. Brave Enough To Fail is determined to be there to help.

Why This Is Important Now

Here is a quote from and op-ed published by Educational Results Partnership on May 5, 2020.

“Students in grades K-12 who lack the essentials at home to master online education are falling further behind their more affluent peers. If the impact of lost learning among these students is not properly mitigated, achievement gaps that have existed for decades will only get worse.

And, if this happens, an entire cohort of students could also fail to attain the skills employers need to create a productive economy. Economic success today, and even more so in the future, will require well-educated workers who have mastered a range of cognitive and analytical skills, as well as social and communicative ones, in the K-12 years.

If an entire cohort of students fails to attain these skills, the losses will be felt not only by them but by the overall economy. Major and costly social dislocations, such as rising crime and poorer health, might also occur under these circumstances.”

There are others sounding the warning as well

“Because of the COVID -19 crisis, achievement gaps between disadvantaged students and their more affluent classmates will almost certainly be wider than they’ve been in years.” Los Angeles Times Editorial Board April 2 2020   

“The disruption of schooling during the pandemic will have disparate effects across the socio-economic ladder. The achievement gap between children from poorer and richer families is bound to rise as long as school closures continue.” Matthias Doepke, Ph.D., and Fabrizio Zilibotti, Ph.D Psychology Today April 1 2020

The Achievement Gap Is ‘More Glaring Than Ever’ for Students Dealing With School Closures Time.com March 26 2020

The experts agree, this current crisis will generate long-term costs to the education of our youth and the training of our future workforce.

Brave Enough To Fail is committed to reaching as many schools and students as possible to help students become re-engaged, inspired, and motivated.

When we get to the other side of this current crisis, and we will, many of our poor and minority students in underserved communities are going to face an even steeper uphill climb to succeed in school and beyond. With your help, we will be there to remind our students that they are worth the effort

How You Can Help

Donate today and help Brave Enough To Fail build the capacity to reach more schools and to be there as a hedge against the COVID-19 achievement gap. Yes I want to Donate Now

Can’t donate?

Sign our petition of support to encourage foundations to support Brave Enough To Fail Yes I want to Sign Now

Visit our website and put Your School on our List to receive the Brave enough To Fail program and scholarships to inspire your students to engage in their education and pursue their dreams. Yes, Make My School A Brave School

Share this post! Help raise awareness and support for our students!

Wayne Winsley, founder and CEO of Brave Enough To Fail is a middle school history teacher, former radio broadcaster, and multiple-award winning motivational keynote speaker.

wayne@braveenoughtofail.org @waynewinsley @betf

Adolf Krueger Co. Donates $500 to Brave Enough To Fail

Click image for video

The Adolf Krueger Company has donated $500 toward Brave Enough To Fail’s student motivational programs and scholarships.

Company owner Ken Krueger says,

“Myself and the Krueger family have been strongly involved with anything to help the community, and Brave Enough To Fail is a great organization and we are happy to donate.”

Brave enough To Fail is a 501 C 3 nonprofit that provides free motivational programs and scholarships to high schools.
 

The mission is to cultivate a new generation of leaders, creators, and achievers by inspiring students with the courage to pursue their dreams, and to invest themselves in their own education as a way to get what they want from life.
 Average attendance ranges between three hundred and 800 students at any given presentation.

Since 2016 BETF has impacted over 12,000 students nationwide and awarded $20,000 in scholarships with awardees attending great colleges nationwide including Yale University, Oral Roberts University, and University of Connecticut.

To learn more please go to BraveEnoughToFail.org

New Milford Walmart Donates $1,000 to Brave Enough To Fail

New Milford Walmart has donated $1,000 toward Brave Enough To Fail’s student motivational programs and scholarships.

Store manager Robin B. says,

“One of the things we like to do is grant money to the local charities that are within our community to make sure that they succeed and that the kids adults involved are successful as well.”

Brave enough To Fail is a 501 C 3 nonprofit that provides free motivational programs and scholarships to high schools.
 

The mission is to cultivate a new generation of leaders, creators, and achievers by inspiring students with the courage to pursue their dreams, and to invest themselves in their own education as a way to get what they want from life.
 Average attendance ranges between three hundred and 800 students at any given presentation.

Since 2016 BETF has impacted over 12,000 students nationwide and awarded $20,000 in scholarships with awardees attending great colleges nationwide including Yale University, Oral Roberts University, and University of Connecticut.

To learn more please go to BraveEnoughToFail.org