At the 2024 National College Attainment Network (NCAN) National Conference, the Young Men United (YMU) initiative presented a bold and transformative vision for enhancing college success among young men of color. This engaging session featured a powerful panel that included Shannon Reed from United Way Worldwide,
Dr. Jabari Bodrick from United Way of the Midlands, Elliot Kelly, Jr. from Metro United Way, and Tammy Mays from United Way of Central Maryland. Together, they highlighted the pressing need for community-driven approaches to support these young men as they navigate the complexities of education and career pathways.
The Mission: Building Community Capacity for College Success
The mission of YMU is both urgent and inspiring: to support young men of color in achieving post-secondary education and workforce readiness. The presenters outlined how a collective approach—one that leverages existing resources, community networks,
and mentorship opportunities—can significantly enhance these young leaders' prospects for success.
Reed highlighted that the initiative aims not only to increase college enrollment rates but also to ensure that students graduate on time and are fully prepared to enter the workforce. The program seeks to create an ecosystem where young men can thrive,
breaking down barriers that have historically hindered their progress.
Key Focus Areas
The YMU initiative centers around three critical focus areas:
Youth opportunity: The program emphasizes the importance of ensuring that young men graduate from high school equipped with the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to secure family-sustaining employment. This goal is particularly
significant given the disparities in educational attainment that many young men of color face.
Financial security: Acknowledging that financial stability is a cornerstone of successful educational outcomes, the initiative aims to help individuals find good jobs and manage their resources effectively. This involves offering
financial literacy programs, guidance on career choices, and support in navigating financial aid processes.
Healthy communities: Health plays a crucial role in educational success. The YMU initiative works to ensure that individuals and families have access to healthcare services and can improve their overall well-being. This holistic approach
recognizes that academic success is deeply intertwined with physical and mental health.
Goals and Strategies
The overarching goal of YMU is straightforward: to enhance the educational and professional trajectories of young men of color. The program aims to achieve this through a multi-faceted strategy that includes:
Increasing college enrollment and graduation rates: The initiative sets specific targets for participants to enroll in college and complete their degrees on time. By providing tailored support and resources, YMU aims to mitigate the
challenges that can lead to dropouts.
Fostering workforce preparedness: Preparing participants for the job market is a key component of the program. This involves equipping them with the necessary skills and experiences to navigate the workforce successfully. Key
strategies for achieving these goals include:
Comprehensive mentorship programs: Each participant will be matched with mentors who provide guidance focused on academic success, college readiness, and personal development. These mentorships are designed to be a cornerstone of
the program, ensuring that young men have the support they need throughout their educational journeys.
Internship opportunities: Real-world experience is invaluable, and YMU emphasizes the importance of paid internships. Participants will gain hands-on experience in their fields of interest, which not only enhances their resumes but
also helps them build professional networks.
Financial support and planning: Addressing financial barriers is crucial for many students. YMU offers need-based assistance, including FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, completion support, financial counseling,
and college admissions assistance. By addressing these barriers, the initiative aims to make higher education more accessible.
Local and National Collaboration
A unique aspect of the YMU initiative is its dual-level operation, with local United Ways driving the efforts while United Way Worldwide provides overarching support. This collaboration fosters a powerful network that enhances the program's effectiveness.
Local United Ways are tasked with:
Leading the charge in outreach and recruitment efforts to engage participants.
Coordinating with community organizations to ensure services such as internships and mentorships are well aligned and effectively delivered.
Tracking and reporting program impact, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
On the national level, United Way Worldwide plays a critical role by:
Providing leadership and resources to support local initiatives.
Assisting in the launch of pilot markets, helping to develop tools and resources for successful implementation.
Establishing common measurement frameworks to aggregate data across various regions and report on the collective results of the initiative.
Impressive Outcomes and Statistics
The initiative has already shown promising results in its initial phase. As of August 2024, YMU has raised over $2.6 million, with a significant portion of this funding directed towards supporting local United Ways. Key achievements include:
452 youth served in the pilot year, illustrating the initiative’s reach and impact.
112 students enhanced their professional development through internships, gaining vital experience that will serve them in their future careers.
These statistics underscore the effectiveness of a community-based approach, demonstrating that when resources are aligned and strategically implemented, significant positive outcomes can be achieved.
Youth Engagement: Empowering Voices
An essential component of the YMU initiative is youth engagement. The program actively seeks input from young men participating in the initiative, ensuring that their voices shape the supports and resources provided. This engagement fosters peer connections,
networking opportunities, and leadership development, creating a sense of ownership among participants.
A Call to Action: Creating Opportunities Together
The YMU presentation shares a powerful message: together, we can create opportunities that uplift communities and empower young men of color to realize their full potential. As Dr. Bodrick passionately stated, "We have the tools and the community support
to change lives. It’s time we harness our collective strengths to create a brighter future."
The initiative not only aims to change individual lives but also seeks to foster stronger communities where collaboration and support are the norms. The approach is about more than just educational attainment; it’s about creating pathways to success that
will reverberate through generations.
Looking Ahead
As the YMU initiative continues to grow, there are exciting possibilities on the horizon. The focus on scalable solutions, combined with a commitment to monitoring and evaluating program impact, will ensure that the program evolves to meet the changing
needs of its participants.
In conclusion, the Young Men United initiative represents a bold step forward in addressing the systemic challenges faced by young men of color. By fostering community connections, providing targeted resources, and emphasizing mentorship and engagement,
YMU is paving the way for a new generation of leaders.
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