How it Works

After the recruitment process has ended and we have selected our participants, our first phase of the program is a “Journey into Manhood” as we will put a focus on body, soul, and spirit. During these 3 months of the program, the young men will participate in an array of activities such as team building, scripture memorization, poetry memorization, career exploration, and learning of prominent African American men. With a focus on the whole man, physical conditioning is a part of our model. 

Following our “Journey into Manhood” the young men transition into our Group Mentoring Stage. This too is a 3 month phase. This phase includes life skills training through a partnership with the Proud Program, book reading and discussions, career exploration, community service and college tours. Through natural, organic involvement and interaction during Group Mentoring, the model predicts that young people will be able to identify who they believe should be their mentor. After staff approval, there is a Pinning Ceremony in which the Mentee pins their Mentor and they walk into the next stage of the program together. 

Upon completion of Group Mentoring, the young men and mentors enter into the last stage of the program, 1 on 1 Mentoring. This stage involves at least 4 hours a month of Mentor/Mentee Mentoring interaction. Every mentee will complete a Life Plan and set S.M.A.R.T Goals to achieve measurables on the plan. This stage is no less than 6 months long and involves activities that allow the mentor/mentee relationship to flourish.