Danbury Student and Business Connection (DSABC)

What Danbury Student and Business Connection (DSABC) does

Danbury Student and Business Connection (DSABC) is a 501c3 nonprofit founded in 1990 and headquartered at 49 Osborne Street, Danbury, Connecticut, that operates a school-based one-on-one mentoring program serving K-12 students enrolled in Danbury Public Schools and Henry Abbott Technical High School. In the 2025-2026 school year the organization maintains 152 active mentor-mentee matches, supported by a small three-person staff and more than 100 volunteer mentors, and runs four named program lines: One-on-One Mentoring, a Scholarship Program (cumulative scholarships exceeding $150,000 since 1997), Career Readiness, and Connect to Careers.

The product set is delivered primarily in-person through schools, with Connect to Careers adding a virtual mentoring layer. Underlying technology is minimal and non-proprietary: program operations rely on Alchemer survey forms, standard video-conferencing tools, and the Givebutter donation platform; there is no indication of a custom platform, data flywheel, or AI component. Match quality, mentor training (89 new mentors trained in the 2025-2026 cycle), and curriculum delivery through partner-led workshops (e.g., Union Savings Bank's Foundations for Your Future financial-literacy program) are the operating core.

Revenue is generated through a mix of corporate and business partnerships (40+ partners including Boehringer Ingelheim, Union Savings Bank, M&T Bank, and Cartus), individual donations channeled via Givebutter, and community fundraising. The organization is volunteer-intensive, has no public revenue disclosures, and operates as a single-region community-based nonprofit with no disclosed plans for geographic expansion beyond the Greater Danbury area.

Name

Danbury Student and Business Connection (DSABC)

Legal name

Danbury Student and Business Connection

Website

https://dsabcmentors.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

DSABC is a 501c3 nonprofit, founded 1990 in Danbury, CT, that delivers school-based one-on-one mentoring, scholarships, and career-readiness programming to K-12 students in Danbury Public Schools and Henry Abbott Technical High School, funded by 40+ business partners and individual donors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Mentoring Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Student Mentoring & Peer Support Programs (EDAJALAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

College & Career Counseling (Admissions, Scholarships, Pathways) (EDAJALAE), Volunteerism, Service-Learning & Community Service (EDALAHAG)

Keywords

• Youth mentoring services
• School-based mentoring programs
• Nonprofit educational services
• Scholarship funding programs
• Career readiness workshops

Headquarters

HQ city

Danbury

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Business and Corporate Partnerships: Partner businesses invest in DSABC by encouraging employee participation as volunteer mentors and providing financial support. This is the primary funding mechanism for the organization.
2. Individual Donations: Community members and supporters make direct financial contributions to DSABC via the organization's donation page (givebutter.com/SupportDSABC).
3. Community Fundraising Initiatives: Restaurant partnerships (e.g., Holiday Diner), sports event ticket sales (Spice City FC), and community bag programs (Big Y) generate percentage-based donations from participating businesses.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

DSABC delivers school-based one-on-one mentoring, scholarships for graduating seniors, and career readiness programming to K-12 students enrolled in Danbury Public Schools and Henry Abbott Technical High School. Its core service matches adult volunteer mentors (primarily employees from partner businesses) with students for weekly sessions during school hours, supplemented by a $1,000 renewable scholarship program and career exploration workshops.

Product overview

DSABC operates as a single unified program portfolio centered on school-based youth mentoring, not a technology platform. The core offering is the One-on-One Mentoring Program, which is supplemented by a Scholarship Program, Career Readiness Support (including Foundations for Your Future workshops and FLEX Presentations), and the Connect to Careers virtual mentoring program developed in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation and Junior Achievement. All programs work together to build student character, confidence, and skills for academic and career success.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• One-on-One Mentoring Program School-based one-on-one mentoring program that matches supportive adult volunteers with K-12 students in Danbury Public Schools and Henry Abbott Technical High School. Mentors serve as positive adult role models providing moral support, encouragement, and academic assistance, with the goals of improving academic performance, attendance, behavior, attitude toward school, self-esteem, motivation, and long-term dropout prevention. Delivered at no cost to students during school hours for at least one school year.
• Scholarship Program Scholarship program awarding $1,000 (renewable up to three years for a $4,000 maximum total) to graduating high school seniors who participated in DSABC's One-on-One Mentoring Program and are pursuing post-secondary education. Since 1997, more than 150 students have received over $150,000 in scholarships.
• Career Readiness Support

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 150 mentors serving 150+ students across Danbury Public Schools and Henry Abbott Technical High School annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

35 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Boehringer Ingelheim Cares FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation partnered with DSABC and Junior Achievement to develop Connect to Careers, a 14-week virtual mentoring program. Boehringer Ingelheim employees serve as professional mentors to students from the Scientific Innovation & Medicine Academy at Danbury High School, providing career exploration, professional guidance, and real-world skill development including the Social Innovation Challenge.
• Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJunior Achievement provides its curriculum for the Connect to Careers virtual mentoring program, supporting weekly sessions on communication, career readiness, design thinking, and innovation. JA also provides awards (e.g., $400 award for first place in the Social Innovation Challenge) and ongoing program support including resume development and mock interview training.
• Union Savings BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerUnion Savings Bank provides financial support enabling the Foundations for Your Future program, which includes workshops on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, credit management, and college application support, as well as college tours for DSABC students.
• Danbury Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDanbury Public Schools is the primary institutional partner, providing access to schools, students, and administrative support for the school-based one-on-one mentoring program, FLEX presentations at Danbury High School, and the Foundations for Your Future programming.
• Western Connecticut State UniversityminorOthersWestern Connecticut State University is listed among the business and community partners and college tour destinations for DSABC's career readiness programming.
• CT State Community College – Naugatuck ValleyminorOthersCT State Community College – Naugatuck Valley is listed among DSABC's partners and is a destination for college tours. Board member Antonio R. Santiago, Ed.D. represents the campus.
• 4Jacks Nitro Cold BrewminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner supporting DSABC through employee mentorship engagement and/or financial contributions.
• AB ElectronicsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner supporting DSABC through employee mentorship engagement and/or financial contributions.
• AmazonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner supporting DSABC through employee mentorship engagement and/or financial contributions.
• Amber Room ColonnademinorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for the annual Scholarship & Awards Breakfast event. Listed as a business partner supporting DSABC.
• Bedoukian Research Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner supporting DSABC through employee mentorship engagement and/or financial contributions.
• Boehringer IngelheimcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner with employee Elli Scarfi serving on the DSABC Board of Directors. Primary partner through Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation for the Connect to Careers virtual mentoring program.
• Bright Insurance GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner supporting DSABC through employee mentorship engagement and/or financial contributions.
• Bristol Global MobilityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner with Vice President Sarah Bollert receiving DSABC's Distinguished Dedication Award. Supports FLEX presentations at Danbury High School.
• Branson UltrasonicsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner supporting DSABC through employee mentorship engagement and/or financial contributions.
• CartusminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner supporting DSABC through employee mentorship engagement and/or financial contributions.
• City of DanburyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a community partner with Taylor O'Brien serving on the DSABC Board. Mayor Roberto Alves has provided remarks at DSABC events.
• Fairfield County BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner supporting DSABC through employee mentorship engagement and/or financial contributions.
• Greater Danbury Chamber of CommerceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a community partner supporting DSABC through business networking and community engagement.
• Holiday DinerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerParticipates in the Dining with DSABC initiative, donating 10% of bills when patrons mention DSABC. Listed as a business partner.
• Ives BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner with Trena McNeal serving on the DSABC Board.
• Lesser EvilminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner with Jessica Westerfield (Chair of DSABC Board) affiliated with LesserEvil.
• LindeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner with Rachelle Brice serving on the DSABC Board.
• M&T BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner. Branch Manager Rebecca Laughinghouse has presented at FLEX presentations at Danbury High School.
• Newtown Savings BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner supporting DSABC through employee mentorship engagement and/or financial contributions.
• PMC-STSminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner. Engineer Paul Buzel has presented at FLEX presentations at Danbury High School.
• rMediAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner with owners Alicia & Renato Ghio presenting at FLEX presentations at Danbury High School.
• Spice City FCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSports partner donating 10% of ticket proceeds from home games to DSABC during National Mentoring Month (January 2025 soccer game against Baltimore Arsenal).
• Town Fair TireminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner supporting DSABC through employee mentorship engagement and/or financial contributions.
• Union Savings BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner with Jen Tomaino (Secretary of DSABC Board) affiliated with Union Savings Bank. Primary funder of the Foundations for Your Future program.
• US Air Force Recruiting – DanburyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a community partner supporting DSABC through recruitment and/or career presentation activities.
• US Army Recruiting – DanburyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a community partner supporting DSABC through recruitment and/or career presentation activities.
• Wells FargominorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a business partner supporting DSABC through employee mentorship engagement and/or financial contributions.
• Big Y (Bethel, 83 Stony Hill Road)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBig Y named DSABC as its monthly Community Bag Program beneficiary for January 2024, with a $1 donation for every $2.50 bag purchased.
• CT SBDC (Connecticut Small Business Development Center)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a community partner with Shay Nagarsheth (Vice Chair of DSABC Board) affiliated with CT SBDC.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Others

• Big Y Community Programs: Regional grocery chain partner that runs the Community Bag Program benefitting nonprofits like DSABC. Comparable as a corporate-funder touchpoint rather than a service peer — included to illustrate the small-business donation channel DSABC depends on.
• Points of Light: Global volunteer-mobilization nonprofit enabling corporate volunteer engagement. Comparable as an enabling organization that channels corporate employee-volunteer hours into nonprofits like DSABC, supporting the supply side of DSABC's mentor pipeline.

Broad incumbents

• MENTOR (National Mentoring Partnership): National umbrella organization advocating for quality youth mentoring and convening the mentoring field. Operates broadly across the same mission space as DSABC but as an advocacy/capacity-building entity rather than a direct service provider.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Large national youth-development nonprofit offering mentoring, academic support, and career readiness as part of a broader programming portfolio. Comparable mission and target demographic but delivers as a multi-program youth-services organization.
• United Way: National community-impact nonprofit that aggregates corporate giving and funds local education/youth programs. Comparable to DSABC's business-partnership-driven fundraising model, but operates at much greater scale across multiple cause areas.

Regional players

• Year Up: Workforce-development nonprofit providing mentoring, training, and career placement for young adults. Comparable in career-readiness and corporate-partnership components of DSABC's Foundations for Your Future programming, but serves an older post-secondary demographic.

Direct peers

• iMentor: Nonprofit pairing high school students with virtual professional mentors for college and career readiness. Closely comparable to DSABC's Connect to Careers virtual mentoring program and its focus on long-term mentor-mentee relationships.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: National nonprofit operating school- and community-based one-on-one youth mentoring programs. Most directly comparable to DSABC's core model of matching adult volunteers with K-12 students for sustained weekly support.
• Communities In Schools: National nonprofit embedding coordinators inside public schools to provide integrated student supports. Highly comparable to DSABC's school-based delivery model with the same dropout-prevention mission and school-district partnership structure.
• Junior Achievement USA: Youth workforce-readiness and financial literacy nonprofit that DSABC directly partners with for the Connect to Careers curriculum. Comparable in delivering career exploration, mentorship, and college-readiness programming to K-12 students.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/DSABCMentor
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dsabcmentors
• Instagraminstagram.com/dsabcmentors

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Danbury Student and Business Connection (DSABC)