2ND ANNUAL SHAPING THE FUTURE
Join us on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM for the 2ND ANNUAL SHAPING THE FUTURE: A COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT EXTRAVAGANZA! This free outdoor community celebration in Downtown Henderson is open to everyone and will feature backpacks filled with school supplies, a youth talent showcase, live entertainment, local vendors, food trucks, free health screenings, a community blood drive, bounce houses, giveaways, and valuable resources for individuals and families of all ages. Whether you're a student preparing for a new school year, a parent, a community leader, or simply looking for a fun day with family and friends, there's something for everyone. Hosted by Higher Is Waiting Nonprofit Organization, the event will take place at 205 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, NC 27536, in front of Perry Memorial Library. Come be empowered and help us shape the future together!
Sign Up to Volunteer
Sign Up to Volunteer
Sign Up to Volunteer
Help make the 2nd Annual Shaping the Future: A Community Empowerment Extravaganza a success! Volunteers are needed to pack backpacks, assist with event setup, welcome guests, distribute backpacks, support activities, and help with cleanup. Join us in making a lasting impact in our community.
Apply to Be a Vendor
Sign Up to Volunteer
Sign Up to Volunteer
Showcase your business, organization, or food truck at one of Henderson's largest community events! Connect with hundreds of families while promoting your products, services, or resources during the 2nd Annual Shaping the Future: A Community Empowerment Extravaganza.
Apply to Perform
Sign Up to Volunteer
Sign Up to Donate Blood
Do you sing, dance, play an instrument, perform spoken word, or have another talent to share? Apply to perform during our Talent Showcase and inspire the community while taking the stage at Shaping the Future.
Sign Up to Donate Blood
Laptop Scholarship Opportunity
Sign Up to Donate Blood
Every blood donation has the power to help save up to three lives and make a lasting impact on patients in need.
Appointments are encouraged to help reduce wait times, but walk-ins are welcome throughout the day. As a thank-you for your generosity, all eligible donors will receive a FREE $25 eGift Card from OneBlood.
Reserve your appointment TODAY or stop by on Saturday, August 8, 2026!
Laptop Scholarship Opportunity
Laptop Scholarship Opportunity
Laptop Scholarship Opportunity
Current and incoming college or trade school students of all ages can apply for a chance to receive a FREE Chromebook at Shaping the Future! Recipients must be present during the Talent Showcase at 12 PM on Saturday, August 8.
APPLY BY THURSDAY, AUGUST 6 AT 11:59 PM!
Our Partners
Higher Is Waiting Nonprofit Organization
Mission
Higher Is Waiting 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization was officially incorporated on January 4, 2024, by Jayden A. Watkins at just 16 years old. The organization's mission is to educate, equip, and empower youth and young adults through mentorship, leadership development, community service, and educational opportunities. Now 18 years old, Jayden continues to lead Higher Is Waiting to new heights, expanding its impact.
CONTACT: info@higheriswaiting.org
Regular Programs
1. EMPOWERED Teen Leadership & Mentorship Program
EMPOWERED is Higher Is Waiting's signature leadership and mentorship program for youth and young adults ages 13 to 23 throughout Henderson, Vance County, and surrounding communities. Through mentorship, leadership development, career exploration, community service, faith-based discussions, and life skills training, participants are equipped to become confident leaders while growing academically, socially, spiritually, and personally in a safe and supportive environment.
2. Community Service & Blessing Bag Outreach
Higher Is Waiting empowers young people to make a difference through hands-on community service projects. Throughout the year, volunteers assemble and distribute Blessing Bags filled with hygiene products, toiletries, snacks, and other essential items for individuals and families experiencing hardship. Additional service initiatives include meal-packing events, community cleanups, donation drives, and projects benefiting local schools, shelters, and nonprofit organizations.
3. Leadership Conferences, Workshops & Community Events
Higher Is Waiting hosts leadership conferences, educational workshops, youth rallies, and community events designed to educate, equip, and empower the next generation. These experiences provide opportunities for leadership development, civic engagement, mental wellness education, financial literacy, career readiness, and youth empowerment while connecting participants with community leaders, professionals, and mentors.
4. Shaping the Future: Community Empowerment Extravaganza
Each August, Higher Is Waiting hosts its annual Shaping the Future: A Community Empowerment Extravaganza, one of the organization's largest community outreach events. Families receive free backpacks filled with school supplies while enjoying live entertainment, a youth talent showcase, local vendors, food trucks, health screenings, community resources, and family activities. The event is designed to prepare students for a successful school year while connecting families with valuable opportunities and services.
Board of Directors
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Jayden Watkins
BOARD CHAIR - Tem Blackburn
VICE CHAIR OF BOARD - Dr. Shannon Bullock
SECRETARY - Valencia McCoy
ASSISTANT SECRETARY - Katrina Tunstall
TREASURER - Crystal Richardson
BOARD MEMBERS: Victor Clifton and Bratanya Simmons
Shaping The Future: a Community Empowerment Extravaganza
