Paris Grimmett: Empowering Youth Through Education and Community Leadership

Published: November 19, 2024

Author: Liz Dowell

Paris Grimmett, a Greenville University Class of 2016, is passionate about uplifting youth in his hometown of East St. Louis, Illinois, through his nonprofit, First Generation NFP. As a first-generation college graduate, Grimmett understands the importance of education and mentorship in shaping young people's futures.

Since co-founding First Generation NFP with his wife, Kianna, in 2021, he has dedicated himself to providing business education and financial literacy programs to students in grades 6 through 12 to create opportunities for success in their communities.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS AT GREENVILLE UNIVERSITY

Grimmett began at Greenville University, earning his bachelor of science with a major in criminal justice in 2016 and his MBA in 2018. His time at GU, shaped by his faith and driven by a desire for purpose, has prepared him to lead with compassion and vision.

"I chose GU because it was faith-based, which was important for me and my family," Grimmett said. "It was the right place for me to grow in leadership and character."

His involvement in the GU’s Multicultural Student Association (MOSAIC) as treasurer, vice president, and president gave him invaluable leadership experience that later informed his work in the nonprofit sector.

GU Professor Susan Chism is very proud of Grimmett's achievements.

“His academic background was weak, but he came to class regularly, did his work, and visited tutors to improve. And he did,” said Chism. “He is the hardest working man I know, and I’m beyond proud to have been a small part of his journey.”

After graduating, Grimmett began his career in education, first as a social studies teacher and later as a business education teacher in St. Louis Public Schools. In addition to his role as an educator, he passed the principal exam in 2024, furthering his commitment to shaping the next generation.

However, his true calling led him back to his community, where he saw a critical need for programs that would provide East St. Louis youth with the tools to build a future of economic independence.

FIRST GENERATION NPF

Through First Generation NFP, Grimmett and his team run specialized programs in schools and community organizations in East St. Louis, including SIUE Charter High School, East St. Louis Senior High, Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School, and the Leslie Bates Blackwood Stock Foundation, which celebrates Black entrepreneurship through an annual festival.

These programs offer entrepreneurship, marketing, economics, and financial literacy courses, preparing students to make informed decisions about their future careers and finances.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Grimmett's work is seeing the impact on students. "It's incredible to know that what I'm doing is purposeful and that it matters to the kids we're serving," he shared.

His mission to help students avoid negative paths such as crime and drugs resonates deeply with him. “I want to create opportunities for youth to make money legitimately, without resorting to the streets,” Grimmett explained.

BIG PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Looking to the future, Grimmett aims to expand First Generation NFP’s reach to neighboring communities and cities, including Belleville, O’Fallon, and Cahokia, and eventually to other states.

His long-term vision includes growing the organization into a national force and empowering youth in urban areas with scarce economic opportunities.

“Our goal is to be in cities across the United States, where there is a lack of access to economic prosperity,” Grimmett said.

In addition to his work with First Generation NFP, Grimmett is pursuing his doctorate in education degree at Saint Louis University.

"The end goal is to start my school, using the experiences I'm gaining now to make it successful," he shared.