SAS High School The Young Men's Initiative
The Young Men’s Initiative
Launched in 2006, the Young Men’s Initiative (YMI) focuses attention and resources on the special needs of urban young men of color living in poverty who are most at risk. In addition to the services available to all Sponsor-A-Scholar (SAS) students, YMI offers a series of targeted activities specifically for boys. These activities are designed to:
- recruit more boys and strong male mentors;
- develop boys’ leadership skills and personal responsibility;
- expose boys to positive male role models and career opportunities;
- reward achievement and offer academic enrichment; and
- create a positive peer group of college-bound young men.
The overall goal of YMI is to help our young men acheive success both in high and in college and lead productive, fulfilling lives.
Activities
Leadership Roundtables
YMI’s monthly Leadership Roundtables provide young men with a safe forum where they can explore relevant cultural, social, developmental, and political issues that affect their lives. These interactive, educational, and thought-provoking meetings provide YMI participants with the opportunity to engage in respectful dialogue, and articulate their own values, goals and needs.
The Leading Man Newsletter
The Leading Man is a monthly newsletter written, edited, and produced by the boys who participate in the Young Men’s Initiative. The publication features articles about SAS activities, relevant topics of interest, and spotlights “Man of the Month” – the student recognized for his accomplishments in school, the Sponsor-A-Scholar Program, and the community. This designation has become a coveted honor among the young men in the Program.
The Reading Man Book Club
The YMI Reading Man Book Club engages our YMI high school seniors with literature typically read by college-bound students. Monthly discussions are conducted in a supportive, small group setting, while weekly exchanges occur through an online message board.
Team Building and Leadership Development
Team building and leadership development activities include community service projects, attendance at sporting events, and an annual camping and whitewater rafting trip for senior boys – an outing that has become a rite of passage for the young men in the Program.
College and Career Awareness
College and career awareness opportunities expose boys to the experiences, values, expectations, and responsibilities of college and the world of work. Activities include visits to a wide range of professional settings in the fields of business, law, journalism, and education to explore potential career paths.
Photo Gallery
Getting Involved
The young men who participate in the SAS Program face numerous obstacles and powerful negative messages in their schools and neighborhoods. Our support and the impact of the Young Men's Initative is vitally important - guiding them on a positive path toward college, degree attainment, and a successful future.
Become a Mentor
Mentors are at the heart of the SAS Program. Philadelphia Futures has a significant need for male mentors who can serve as responsible male role models for the boys in the Program. Find out what it takes to change a life.
Facilitate a Leadership Roundtable
Share your professional expertise with the young men in the YMI Program by facilitating one of our monthly Leadership Roundtables.
Host a YMI Visit at Your Workplace
Invite the participants in the YMI Program for a visit to your place of business. These visits allow boys to develop a network of college-educated male role models, expand their awareness of potential careers, and learn about appropriate office etiquette and professional demeanor.
Create Opportunities
Donate tickets to a sporting event or activity where our young men can enjoy a special experience together, and continue to develop strong bonds among their peers in the SAS Program.
Help Fund the YMI Initiative
Please consider making a financial gift designated for YMI to help fund targeted programs for our young men.
Expand Our Network
Introduce Philadelphia Futures to your colleagues, clients, and other members of the community who you believe would be interested in supporting our efforts.
Learn More
To learn more about how you can get involved, please contact Gabriel Bryant, Director, Young Men's Initiative by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone at 215.790.1666, Ext. 425.
230 South Broad Street, 7th Floor