8A- Solving The Problem

1)      Opportunity: There has been an increase in the educational gaps in the world, however, locally in the Alachua County area. Minority children, especially Blacks, face the challenges of their environment affecting their education and increasing the probability of their chances of being imprisoned, suspended, or lack of success in the future. This issue has persisted for decades and the problem has yet to decrease in statistics. By providing students and their families with the materials, resources, and more that they need, the likelihood of success will increase. 

2)      By creating a more effective plan of action of providing school supplies, needed meals, tutoring opportunities, transportation, and small stipends to teachers so they won’t have to take money from their own pockets, will create for a more effective learning environment for both students and teachers, while destressing families. By providing a service that gives back to schools, students, and families.

7A- Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

1)      Opportunity: There has been an increase in the educational gaps in the world, however, locally in the Alachua County area. Minority children, especially Blacks, face the challenges of their environment affecting their education and increasing the probability of their chances of being imprisoned, suspended, or lack of success in the future. This issue has persisted for decades and the problem has yet to decrease in statistics. By providing students and their families with the materials, resources, and more that they need, the likelihood of success will increase. 

2)      Children, families, and organizations who are looking to make a difference in the future generation.

a.       The Who: People (students, local organizations, families)

b.       The What: Looking for a more effective and efficient approach to increase the success of impoverished students and families who are negatively affected by their environment, resulting in their lack there of in the community and in school.

c.       The Why: Educational disparities persist across the world, and these disparities are a result of the resources and environment in which students are provided. Most often the student’s environment and community determines their level of success. By providing an opportunity to each student, school, and family by giving them the proper resources and tools for success, these educational gaps can begin to reduce.

3)      Hypothesis: I believe these families, schools, and students need effective and efficient resources and planning for success.

4)      After interviewing five people, I found that many people do believe this is an opportunity, however it is an opportunity that is not easy to accomplish. They believe that starting locally will be my best option but finding a way to market it will be difficult, as it will turn more into an organization that is not for profit, rather than a profitable business. When asked if or how often do they give back to communities, schools, and to families living in poverty, only 2/5 could remember the last time they donated time or resources. I found that people are aware, but depending on their circumstances, location, and daily encounters, determines the importance level on a consistent basis.

6A- Identifying Opportunities in Economic and Regulatory Trends

1)      Opportunity: There has been an increase in delivery services, as they have become more convenient for people who don’t want the hassle of getting into traffic to get food, or simply don’t want to leave the comfort of their home. Businesses, such as restaurants and especially fast food restaurants, have branched into the market of partnering with delivery services. This not only expands their market, but also benefits your average consumer who doesn’t want to leave the comfort of their own home.

Link: https://www.gainesville.com/article/LK/20150624/News/604157692/GS/

2)      Opportunity: There has been an increase in the educational gaps in the world, however, locally in the Alachua County area. Minority children, especially Blacks, face the challenges of their environment affecting their education and increasing the probablity of their chances of being imprisoned, suspended, or lack of succcess in the future. This issue has persisted for decades and the problem has yet to decrease in statistics. By providing students and their families with the materials, resources, and more that they need, the liklihood of success will increase. 

Link: https://www.gainesville.com/news/20180113/disparity-study-alachua-county-blacks-face-bigger-hurdles

3)      Opportunity: Health has been key prior to the current trend; however, many people have begun to take working out and healthy eating seriously. Not only have people created workout and weight-loss products, but Apple and other products have enhanced their health monitor in products. This appeals to people who are fit, beginning their weight loss journey, older people, and more. The designs are more modern, and the software is beneficial for all age groups. This market is not only beneficial but has been very lucrative.

Link: https://www.gainesville.com/lifestyle/20181207/ticker-tech-latest-apple-watch-can-monitor-falls-track-heart-rhythms

4)      Opportunity: With crime constantly being a problem and the safety of people being threatened, providing safety is a must and a high priority. By enhancing home security and more, it gives a sense of protection to consumers. Families, businesses, and more benefit from enhanced security and enhanced software that provided protection.

Link: https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/the-most-dangerous-cities-in-america/?ftag=ACQ-10-10aad5h&vndid=www.gainesville.com&utm_campaign=318972201282&utm_source=%2Fworld%20localities

5A- Identifying Local Opportunities

1) Opportunity:  Homeless people experience many hardships and lack the ability to receive many of the resources and benefits a middle-class person receives. Although, a single individual, group, or organization cannot help every single homeless person, by assisting in improving their appearance and developing workshops that will enhance their knowledge about today’s workforce and how they can successfully get back on the job market, would be very beneficial and begin to have a positive effect on their lives. This will not only raise their confidence, but place them in a better situation than they were in.

Title: Tallahassee police officer helps homeless man shave land a job; the video went viral

Link: https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2018/07/23/tallahassee-police-officer-helps-homeless-man-shave-beard-job/818389002/

Summary: In the link provided, you see a police officer giving a homeless man a trim, so the man will have an increased chance of getting the job. Homeless people are less likely to land jobs during the interview process, because of their hygiene and appearance and social status. With a cleaner look, the interviewer is less likely to be biased.

2) Opportunity:  In some cities, traffic is usually horrible. With the expansion of buildings and limited road space, maybe creating a roadside sub way within its own lane can be beneficial. Making sure it is environmentally safe, it brings a new form of transportation to smaller and larger cities.

Title: Rerouting: Road closures begin for colossal Cascades Project

Link: https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/money/2019/01/22/road-closures-begin-colossal-cascades-project/2643334002/

Summary: In the link provided, a new building is being built, however, the construction of this building is going to reroute some roads. This is going to affect the lives of the people who have to take this route.

3) Opportunity: Troubled youth at the end of the day are just children who make mistakes at a young age because they are influenced by friends, surroundings, or their current situation. They are usually placed in “juvie” or professionally named “juvenile detention center” to punish them for their actions. This can be both effective and ineffective. Most youth feel alone, trapped, and when released, they are bound by inner thoughts and their inability to connect. Some youth just don’t know what to do and go back to their old habits. By creating a Big Sister, Big Brother program within the solitary confinement center to inspire and influence the youth, it may provide change and reduce the chances of them partaking in criminal activity when they are older.

Title: Placing juveniles in solitary confinement doesn’t fix them. In fact, it makes the worse

Link: https://www.tallahassee.com/story/opinion/2019/01/14/policing-usa-juvenile-detention-solitary-confinement-mental-illness/2553842002/

Summary: In this article, it talks about a young teen who placed into a juvenile detention center and his experience. The young man said his experience was lonely and caused him to go into depression. It made him want to rebel, rather than follow the rules of the system. Now a grown man (43), he has risen above his fallen time and has become a mentor to inspire and save young troubled kids.

4) Opportunity:  It is no secret that there are massive numbers of pedestrians in the state of Florida. However, there have been a total of 5400 pedestrians killed by motorist vehicles in the state of Florida. Possibly by creating bridges to avoid accidents or sturdy railings along sidewalks can reduce the risk of pedestrians being harmed/killed. This is especially effective in crowded college areas.

Title: Ron Cunningham: Florida is the most deadly state for pedestrians

Link: https://www.gainesville.com/opinion/20190125/ron-cunningham-florida-is-most-deadly-state-for-pedestrians

Summary: In this article, it explains how Florida is a deadly state for pedestrians. Roads are continuously being designed to harm pedestrians, and the need to protect the safety of pedestrians.

5) Opportunity: Many people in cities tend to get lost and rely on their phones to give complicated directions or rely on the directions of people who live in the area. By creating a kiosk in different areas in cities that work similar to the map system in the mall it would be easier for tourists, college students, etc., to explore with minimal struggles.