HR443: HR443 Raising Expectations Inc.; commend

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives honors Raising Expectations Inc., a nonprofit founded by Dr. Maria Armstrong and Tangee Allen while they were college students at Georgia State University. The organization began as a volunteer tutoring and mentoring effort for African American youth in Decatur and has since grown into a structured program serving several Atlanta communities, including East Lake, Pittsburgh, Vine City, English Avenue, Washington Park, and the Westside. The resolution describes the group's approach, which combines tutoring, mentoring, STEM exposure, and college preparation, including its Academic Tutorial Academy program. It formally commends the organization for its contributions to youth development and education in Georgia and directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to the organization. The resolution does not create any new law, funding, or requirement.

• Formally commends Raising Expectations Inc. for its 27 years of youth development and education work in Atlanta communities.
• Extends the Georgia House of Representatives' best wishes for the nonprofit's continued success.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to the organization.
• Creates no new law, funding, or ongoing legal obligation, as a commendation resolution has only symbolic effect.

The resolution directly names Raising Expectations Inc. and its founders, Dr. Maria Armstrong and Tangee Allen. It also references the youth in Decatur, East Lake, Pittsburgh, Vine City, English Avenue, Washington Park, and the Westside who participate in the organization's programs.

The resolution has no legal or financial effect on Georgians; it is a formal, symbolic statement of praise from the House of Representatives. Its practical significance is public recognition for the nonprofit's decades of youth tutoring and mentoring work in several Atlanta neighborhoods.

• The whereas clauses recount the founding of Raising Expectations Inc. by Dr. Maria Armstrong and Tangee Allen and its growth into a 27-year-old youth development organization.
• The resolved clause formally commends the organization for its contributions to youth development and education in Georgia and wishes it continued success.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute a copy of the resolution to the organization.

1. 2025-02-27House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-27House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-27House Hopper (House)

• El-Mahdi Holly (D, HD-116)Primary sponsor
• Bryce Berry (D, HD-056)
• Phil Olaleye (D, HD-059)
• Inga Willis (D, HD-055)
• Rhonda Burnough (D, HD-077)
• Dar'shun Kendrick (D, HD-095)

• youth development
• education nonprofits
• Atlanta community programs
• legislative commendation