Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Bowyer
Hi Austin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey with A-SOL began around three years ago, but the seeds were planted years before during my time at Baylor University. While volunteering at an after-school program in East Waco, TX, I developed a deep passion for serving youth in marginalized communities. This experience shaped my vision and set me on a path that would eventually lead to South Dallas.
After graduating, I moved to Dallas and started my career as a management consultant with Sendero Consulting. However, I felt a clear calling from God to invest in youth facing systemic barriers as I did in Waco. Responding to this call, I immersed myself in the Fair Park neighborhood of South Dallas, building relationships with residents and learning about the intricate challenges they face.
The systemic issues facing the youth in South Dallas – under-resourced schools, limited economic opportunities, and increased violence – only strengthened my resolve to be part of a positive change. However, I didn’t have a clear plan until a fateful meeting with Lorna Reddicks.
Lorna and I met while volunteering for a Dallas homeless services organization. Despite our different backgrounds – Lorna being middle-aged and Black, and me in my 20s and white – we quickly bonded over our shared Christian faith and passion for youth development. Lorna shared her dream of starting an after-school program centered on entrepreneurship and financial skills, inspired by her experience running a homeless shelter in Atlanta in the 90s.
Within a few weeks of meeting, Lorna and I co-founded the After-School Opportunity Lab (A-SOL). We combined Lorna’s vision with my business and ministry background to design intensive after-school and summer programs for South Dallas youth.
In the summer of 2023, I left my corporate job, and A-SOL launched our pilot program. We trained eight teens in various skills, culminating in them presenting their business ideas. It was a transformative experience for everyone involved. Last fall, we shifted to an explicitly faith-based identity, integrating Christian principles into our entrepreneurship and leadership curriculum.
As we launched our third program this fall, I’m continually amazed at how God has guided this journey. A-SOL is not just about teaching skills; it’s about fostering holistic transformation in our students.
My wife, Alyssa, and I are dedicated to this community, living, working, and attending church in the same zip code (75215) where we serve. This journey has been a testament to how entrepreneurship, guided by faith, can be a powerful tool for positive change in under-resourced communities.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building A-SOL from the ground up has certainly had its challenges. Starting from scratch made it difficult to secure initial funding, and our small staff was often stretched thin as we worked to establish our programs and build relationships in the community.
One of our ongoing challenges is ensuring our organization truly represents and understands South Dallas. We’ve focused on building a diverse team that reflects the South Dallas community.
Perhaps the most profound challenges have been personal. Following this calling has exposed me to harsh realities – from attending a 16-year-old’s funeral due to gun violence to witnessing the struggles many families face daily. These experiences have been heart-wrenching, but they’ve also strengthened my resolve and deepened my commitment to our mission.
Despite the obstacles, our faith and belief in the potential for positive change keep us moving forward. We’re constantly learning and growing, always striving to better serve our students and the South Dallas community.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about After-School Opportunity Lab?
After-School Opportunity Lab (A-SOL) is a faith-based nonprofit organization serving middle and high school students in South Dallas. We specialize in providing intensive after-school and summer programs that focus on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and leadership development for middle and high school students.
What sets A-SOL apart is our unique approach to youth development. We don’t just teach theoretical concepts; we provide hands-on, real-world experiences. Our students work with actual South Dallas businesses, marketing real products and developing their own business ideas. This practical application of skills helps our students envision diverse career paths and potentially create employment opportunities for themselves and others in their community.
We’re particularly proud of how we integrate faith, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Our programs are designed to foster holistic transformation, addressing not just academic and professional skills, but also personal and spiritual growth. We believe in the power of entrepreneurship, guided by faith, to be a catalyst for positive change in under-resourced communities.
We want readers to know that A-SOL is more than just an after-school program. We’re a community of believers working to empower the next generation of leaders in South Dallas. Through our work, we aim to break cycles of poverty, inspire hope, and equip young people with the skills, confidence, and spiritual foundation they need to transform their lives and their community.
Whether you’re a potential student, volunteer, donor, or community partner, we invite you to join us in this mission. Together, we can make a lasting impact in South Dallas and beyond.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Mentorship has been instrumental in my journey with A-SOL. I currently have several mentors who guide me in different areas – spiritual development, leadership, and organizational management. This diverse mentorship has been crucial as I navigate new challenges daily in my role.
My advice for finding mentors:
1. Tap into your existing network: Some of my most valuable mentorships have come through people I already knew or through introductions from close friends.
2. Prioritize relationships and mutual growth: Approach mentorship as a two-way street. Be open to learning, but also be ready to contribute.
3. Be specific about what you need: Identify the areas where you need guidance and seek mentors with expertise in those fields.
As for networking in general, I’ve found success with a simple approach:
1. Prepare well: Do your research and know what you want to achieve.
2. Show up: Make the effort to attend events and engage in your community.
3. Be bold: Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and share your passion.
Remember, effective networking and mentorship are about building genuine relationships. While you’re seeking guidance, also look for opportunities to give back and support others. This approach has helped me build a strong support team and continually grow both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.a-solab.org/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/Dm_cT4otHMU
Image Credits
Alyssa Bowyer
