08/20/2026
This week’s award is pretty special for us! ✨
In 2022, one of our employees, Antwaun B., left his role as our Director of Operations to take his passion project, Product of the Project, full time! 🤩👇
Serving young people across Central Illinois through a wide range of resources, POP focuses on character development, mentorship, community responsibility, and supporting family systems. By breaking cycles, they create opportunities for lasting change that empower individuals and strengthen our community.
✅ With Antwaun's leadership and vision, POP’s initiatives continue to grow! They’re reaching more families than ever through their Back-2-School celebration event, student scholarship funds, a community pantry, and more.
Right now, they're also gearing up for their 3rd annual POP College Tour, giving students the chance to visit campuses, explore career paths, and see what's possible for their future. 🎓
"This $1,000 Sherman’s award helps remove financial barriers of the tour by covering transportation, meals, and lodging, allowing us to create life-changing moments that inspire students to dream bigger and set higher goals," Antwaun B., CEO shared. “Sometimes all it takes is one experience to change the trajectory of a young person’s life, and that’s exactly what the College Tour is designed to do.”
🥳 We’re thrilled to be cheering on and supporting POP as their programs and mentors help kids build character, community, and confidence. Congratulations to the entire team on this award!