A PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL FOR ALL STUDENTS
THE purpose OF the mecca business learning institute (MBLI) is to serve as a college preparatory and vocational center of excellence for middle and high school students interested in business, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
who we are
The journey began as a community-driven initiative spearheaded by The Mentoring by Example Foundation, Inc. (the Foundation), a celebrated non-profit organization dedicated to educating at-risk youth and young adults. For nearly two decades, the Foundation has been at the forefront of fostering community engagement and nurturing future business leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs. Recognizing the need to extend their educational impact into the regular school day, the Foundation envisioned a broader platform for teaching that would necessitate operation during academic hours. To realize this, the Foundation tapped into its network of business and philanthropic partnerships to create a new venture, the MBEF College & Career Academies (M.E.C.C.A.), an educational design services firm designed to spearhead the creation of the M.E.C.C.A. Business Learning Institute (MBLI). The MBLI Design Team, composed of individuals with significant expertise and experience, embodies the project's vision and dedication. This team's deep commitment and strategic oversight are pivotal in driving the project forward, ensuring the successful establishment and operation of an innovative charter school that aims to fulfill and expand upon the Foundation's legacy of making a meaningful educational impact.
when we plan to start
MBLI is set to welcome students in the fall of 2025, having received the necessary charter authorizations, for Montgomery County Maryland, and West Virginia. With plans to inaugurate its educational offerings to students in grades 6 through 12, MBLI will initially open its doors to those in grades 6 and 7, expanding to include an additional grade level each year thereafter. As an inclusive institution, MBLI is committed to accommodating a wide range of students, from those considered at-risk and English Language Learners to individuals with varying abilities and disabilities, ensuring a diverse and supportive learning environment for all.
SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS
Fuel the Efforts of MBLI
Support the MBLI Design Team in achieving its mission to deliver a premier business-focused education to children, equipping them with the tools for a future rich in choices and opportunities. The charter school sector is in urgent need of additional support from all sectors — individuals, foundations, and corporations alike. Contributions from these diverse sources are crucial to bridging the funding gap per student, enabling MBLI to tackle essential goals: (1) complete setup and launch operations; (2) overcome operational hurdles and secure financial stability for the future; (3) enhance quality assurance measures; (4) implement data platforms for tailored instruction, ensuring every student's success; (5) guarantee program effectiveness; and, (6) provide extended school hours and enrichment programs. Every dollar donated is amplified by $10 in public funds, creating a potent and efficient model for transformative change in public education.
What We Are planning
At MBLI, our ethos is grounded in the belief that students thrive academically, personally, and socially within educational settings characterized by clear, consistent expectations and a community where everyone is recognized and valued — not only by peers but by all staff and the wider community. The core of MBLI's mission and vision is our business learning emphasis, which permeates our entire educational program and curriculum. MBLI enriches traditional core and supplemental academic subjects by integrating business principles and practices akin to those taught in collegiate business schools. Through our commitment to inquiry-based and collaborative learning, we aim to bolster students' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. We strive to cultivate a mindset that is creative, adventurous, cooperative, and autonomous, preparing students for success in an ever-evolving world.
Why we are doing this
In 2013/14, the Foundation began to observe that the children they were assisting, predominantly those from urban educational backgrounds, could not fully grasp the extent of their career opportunities. This was primarily attributed to the students' feelings of disenfranchisement and disconnection from their educational experiences. While there has been a commendable emphasis on STEM education in recent years — a crucial development for minorities and women — this focus has inadvertently marginalized a broad segment of students by not offering clear paths to other vital careers. In response, MBLI was established to bridge this gap, aiming to provide a comprehensive educational pathway that opens doors to business-related career opportunities for these students, ensuring they have access to the resources and prospects needed to succeed in the business world.
work with us
Come work with us!
Be part of a new and exciting opportunity in education, and know your work makes an impact in the community every day. MBLI is looking for a diverse team of dynamic, collaborative, and dedicated individuals with an unyielding belief that every child will succeed. MBLI staff will create learning spaces framed by high expectations because they believe in each student's unlimited potential. Alongside a committed team of staff, MBLI faculty will deliver tailored instruction to support student success into college and beyond.