Why N.E.E.D. Was Created
As an educator for H.S. students for over 18 years, in my experience, I found that we would help students to graduate, but often times these same students were not really prepared to be successful in society. They lacked social skills, financial literacy, business education, college and career preparation, networking skills, etc... Many couldn't even write a resume or address a letter, and unfortunately many dropped out of college. As a result, it creates a group of children who feel lost and are really in need. And this is especially prevalent in the lower income neighborhoods. Furthermore, many times these children come from single-mother/parent homes, where the parent also needs help. Seeing these unfortunate circumstances time and time again, and not much being done to help, deeply saddened me. Thus, N.E.E.D. was created to help prepare our youth to be successful and productive members of our society, during and after the commencement of H.S. And to help motivate and encourage them to keep progressing forward. Additionally, to create a holistic approach we want to help provide support and encouragement for the single parents that are raising these children in need.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”
– Nelson Mandela
Anjelique Da Costa
N.E.E.D. for Change - CEO & Founder
Anjelique Da Costa is an Educator and a former NYC Public School Administrator with almost 2 decades of experience. Throughout her educational career, she has held several positions that enabled her to combine her commitment to youth development with a dedication to problem-solving, teamwork, diversity, and academic achievement for all students.
Ms. Da Costa feels fortunate to have experience working with various ethnicities and levels of students, from high school to non-diploma bearing students and college level, as well. She has had the opportunity to partner with several organizations: NYC DOE, Out of State Colleges, CBOs, CUNY, and the SUNY QEOC. Furthermore, she has worked with the Vice Provost of Educational Equity at Pennsylvania State University to help increase diversity awareness and education, through college-level trainings and workshops. Presently, she organizes, teaches, and facilitates events and training, such as Health and Wellness workshops, College Fairs, Career Days, and College and Financial Aid Planning, to help students and families prepare for success during and after high school and to be successful in their everyday lives. Additionally, Ms, Da Costa, as a licensed counselor, has counseled all levels of young adults to help with their social and emotional well-being. And, she has created a curriculum of soft skills workshops and mentoring programs to help students learn, grow and advance while in high school and beyond.
In addition to being an Educator for the youth, Ms. Da Costa is also a successful community business owner, as a Real Estate Broker, Investor, and Consultant. She also uses her business to help people learn about financial literacy and to help individuals (with a special focus on women) learn how to create budgets, build credit, invest, and become business owners. Ms, Da Costa is always excited about having the opportunity to give back and strives to help strengthen her community.