The donation of a home to become the new Community Learning Center propelled the members of the board and staff to embark on a strategic planning process to start building a sustainable future for Project MOST at 92 Three Mile Harbor Road in East Hampton.

The strategic plan process highlighted five priorities for Project MOST to develop in the next three to five years.

These five priorities are the backbone of the Strengthening Our Community Capital Campaign. They address fundamental building blocks for long-term sustainability: 1. A state-of-the-art educational and recreational permanent home 2. An adequate number of professionals and systems to manage a growing organization 3. Increased capacity and program development. 4. Staff/teacher retention, and 5. A marketing plan to increase visibility and expand reach to a more significant number of children and families.

1. Bricks and Mortar: Securing a Permanent Home for Project MOST

External rendering of Project MOST’s future home, Val Florio, Architect.

This project includes the dismantling, temporary storage, translation to the new site, and external and internal architectural re-design to convert the former home into an ADA-compliant educational and recreational facility that is in harmony with its residential neighborhood. External rendering of Project MOST’s future home. Val Florio architect.2
The re-imagined building will feature classrooms for enrichment programs, both academic and creative, larger multi-use spaces for athletics and performing arts, and a New York State Department of Health-approved kitchen for culinary arts programs. The new complex will also serve as an event rental venue for outside events, like the function of the Neighborhood House in the local community for the past 100 years.

2. Organizational Strength: Having the Right People and Systems to Manage a Growing Organization

Since its founding in 2001, Project MOST has focused primarily on staffing its programs to serve the community and carry out its mission. The time has come to professionalize its administrative side by adding a Director of Finance and Administration, a full-time Development Director, and a Marketing Director. Additionally, for Project MOST to be competitive in an increasingly digitalized world, it needs the appropriate electronic platforms and database systems to document, measure, communicate, and project financial, programmatic, fundraising, and marketing goals. As we say, the SS Enterprise cannot travel from Point A to Point B without its captain and crew.

3. Curriculum Development: Framing the Conversation Around Cutting-Edge Enrichment Programs
The increased square footage of the Project MOST new home will expand existing programs, including after-school enrichment programs featuring academic support, STEM, arts & culture, health & wellness programs, the innovative iGROW Summer Learning Lab, and community classes for adults. Project MOST plans to expand its programming to include a program for three-year-olds, and affordable tutoring for all ages, from elementary-age students to teens seeking college test prep.

This program expansion goes hand in hand with an increase in its Scholarship Program for its school-year enrichment and tutoring classes and its iGrow Summer Program. Project MOST opens its doors to children and students from all walks of life regardless of their ability to pay. The organization is committed to equity, access, and learning opportunities for all.

4. Talent Retention: Nurturing, Developing, and Keeping the Best Teachers
It is no secret that there is a shortage of teachers in Eastern Long Island due to the high cost of living, limited housing opportunities, and competition from the school districts. Project MOST seeks to be the best employer on the East End. It will do so by reassessing employee compensation packages, offering thorough onboarding, orientation, and mentoring practices, designing equitable workplace communications systems, offering continuous feedback on performance, offering professional training, and
above all, offering a nice life-work balance.

5. Know Our Name, Know Our Programs: Reaching to a Bigger Community on the East End

Project MOST’s vision is to be the leading premier enrichment program on the East End. It is not enough to expand programs and establish a new home to ensure long-term sustainability. With that goal in mind, Project MOST will develop a marketing plan to expand its outreach to diverse communities through digital platforms, PR, and advertising efforts on the East End to attract new students and families to enroll in their school year and summer programs.

How Much Will It Cost?
Project MOST is estimating a total cost of $10,000,000. The Capital Campaign timeline is planned to last between three and five years. Project MOST has secured $5,500,000 or 50% of its goal. We need your help to create the most important community learning center on the east End. Please consider making an unrestricted gift to the campaign or any of these priorities. We will work with you to craft flexible, multiple-year gifts that can accommodate any budget. We are always interested in discussing a legacy gift to build Project MOST’s endowment, and we will be happy to discuss more details with you.

Thank You So Much! To give a gift, please go to our Donation Page .