Raising the Barcode, Inc. Hosts 4th Annual Fundraiser to Help Students Become Young Professionals

Raising the Barcode, Inc. held its 4th Annual Fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at La Luna Restaurant in Rochester.

Brittany Read, Founder & Executive Director of Raising the Barcode, Inc

Founded by Brittany Read, the nonprofit organization aims to help students transition into young professionals through mentorship and career development programs.

Read, a 2016 graduate of Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School and a 2020 graduate of Howard University with a bachelor’s degree in legal, strategic and management communications, began hosting college prep programs at home during her college breaks. She later earned a master’s degree in social work, social policy and practice from the University of Chicago.

“We are a young professional network that provides programs and Mirror Mentors for students,” said Read, founder and executive director of Raising the Barcode, Inc. “We offer three programs — College 1-on-1 for students in grades seven through 12, an afterschool program at Loretta Johnson Middle School to help students improve their grades, and the Bar Raisers Fellowship Program for 10th–12th graders. The fellowship connects students with young professionals who guide them through their educational and professional journeys.”

The fundraiser included networking activities where attendees mingled, played interactive games and shared their professional experiences.

“These annual events allow intergenerational networking,” Read said. “They connect people who have established careers with the younger generation to help them become professionals. The funds raised also support our monthly youth events and provide stipends for high school students.”

Among the students who have benefited from the programs is Kendrell Brooks, a 12th grader at University Preparatory Charter School for Young Men.“I’ve been participating in Raising the Barcode programs for three years,” Brooks said. “I learned about it from my school counselor, Kevon London-Hill. The program has helped me learn how to network, write college admission essays and visit colleges. I plan to attend an HBCU to major in forensic accounting.”

Proudly supporting his daughter’s efforts, Edward Read, Brittany’s father, shared his admiration. “I believe in what my daughter is doing to help others,” he said. “I’ve attended these fundraisers for three years and am impressed by her ideas and commitment to youth.”

Tae’lor Jackson, president of the Raising the Barcode Board of Directors, has been involved since 2022. A graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and the University of Rochester’s MBA program, Jackson praised the impact of the organization’s mentorship model.

“Raising the Barcode provides additional support for students interested in attending college,” Jackson said. “The Mirror Mentors help students see themselves in their mentors, who are close to their age and relatable — showing them their potential to become professionals.”

Jackson, daughter of Tony Jackson, founder and president of Panther Graphics, said entrepreneurship runs in her family.

The event concluded with raffles and acknowledgments to supporters and attendees. “It was a wonderful opportunity to network and promote education for building up the next generation of young professionals,” Read said.

For more information, contact: Email: info@raisingthebarcode.com Website: www.raisingthebarcode.com