THE POWER OF PERCEPTION. Beginning this month, Eau Claire's Power of Perception, Inc. (POP) – a local nonprofit supporting local Black and Biracial students and families – will expand its youth mentorship and programming into its first elementary school. Members of POP pictured above at the annual Black & Red Ball Fundraiser in early February. (Photo courtesy of Lavender Green Photography)

“Changing lives daily” is a motto that Dennis Beale, founder and CEO of the local nonprofit organization Power of Perception, Inc. (POP), has applied to his work with middle and high school students since February 2020.

POP provides mentorship and focused programming for local Black and Biracial students. POP also extends its efforts to the students’ families, linking them to opportunities and resources in the wider community. In its next move, Beale and the POP team will bring the impact of POP to the elementary school level as of this month – almost exactly six years since the org's inception.

“The elementary focus is really about planting seeds early,” Beale said. “Helping students see themselves as leaders, problem-solvers, and valued members of their community.” 

The POP program for K-5 students will begin at Sherman Elementary with hopes to eventually expand to other Eau Claire elementary schools.

For middle and high school students, Beale has developed POP’s programs around topics such as exposure to career possibilities from Black professionals, information about college access, and opportunities for international travel to broaden understanding of the world around us.

If students leave feeling seen, supported, and excited about their potential, we know we're on the right track. –Dennis Beale, founder of Power of Perception, Inc.

Programming for elementary students will be a little trickier, though, based both on the needs and developmental stages of younger students. Beale noted that “expanding the program involves collaboration with school staff and community partners” and that there will be “a strong emphasis on positive role models, exposure, and relationship-building.”

The development and expansion of the program is timely, as Beale shared that young Black and Biracial students can feel the stress of today’s racial tensions and unrest – even if they can’t name it specifically.

The program has plans to battle stress by teaching mindfulness and positive mantras, as well as underscoring for students – as Beale often does – how important school and learning is, and that “education is one thing that no one can take from you.”

POP founder, Dennis Beale, pictured alongside two of his children at the annual Black & Red Ball Fundraiser earlier this month. POP will begin offering its programming at Sherman Elementary School this year. (Photo courtesy of Lavender Green Photography)

As a nonprofit ran by the ever positive Beale and the diverse POP team, the org is supported by fundraising and community events – as well as financial backing from Northwestern Bank – for which Beale is grateful.

He acknowledges that for this work to really soar, the community must have “skin in the game,” and that “the way to create change is to create opportunity.”

What is the mark of success for the program? “If students leave feeling seen, supported, and excited about their potential, we know we’re on the right track,” Beale said.

If community members are interested in learning more or being involved, Power of Perception is always open to engage with prospective volunteers who align with POP’s mission and values.

Keep up with Power of Perception on social media and learn more through its website at www.powerofperceptioninc.com. Learn more about Dennis Beale by viewing Volume One's 2023 Vanguard Award profile online.