About Us

Mission Statement

The Sims-Fayola Foundation designs systems of belonging for boys and young men of color by delivering direct programming, shaping public policy, and driving systemic change. Grounded in the Sims Framework, we address the root causes of inequity by building partnerships, influencing structures, and equipping young men to thrive in school, career, and life.

 

Vision Statement

We envision a society where boys and young men of color belong, lead, and thrive in systems intentionally designed for their success. Through bold partnerships with schools, communities, and policymakers, we aim to reshape the policies, practices, and narratives that define opportunity, creating a future where belonging is predictable, equity is built by design, and every young person can reach their full potential.

 

Our Values

At the Sims-Fayola Foundation, our values are lived principles guiding our mindsets, actions, and impact. These values reflect our unwavering commitment to boys and young men of color and our determination to transform the systems that shape their lives.

• No Excuses: We refuse to accept limitations on our boys or our outcomes. We break down barriers and challenge systems that limit their potential.

• Leave It All on the Table: We show up with everything we have, and we ask our boys to do the same, bringing purpose, effort, and heart to every space they enter.

• Grow Daily: We believe in constant learning and evolution, within ourselves, our young men, and our systems.

• Championship Mindset: We cultivate excellence. We model high expectations, resilience, and belief in the brilliance of every young man we serve.

• Show Up for Each Other: We operate as a community. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our boys, their families, and each other, because success is a collective journey.

 

Our Why

Despite decades of awareness, the U.S. education system continues to fall short in meeting the needs of students of color, especially boys and young men. From early learning to higher education, boys of color encounter compounding inequities, systemic bias, and chronic underinvestment. These inequities extend beyond the classroom, showing up in the social, economic, and justice systems they navigate. For many, these barriers contribute to over-discipline, underachievement, and increased involvement in the criminal justice system. We exist to dismantle those barriers. Our mission is rooted in equity, justice, and the radical belief that young men of color deserve to thrive, not just survive.

 

Our Approach

SFF is building a new paradigm of change that addresses inequity at every level: individual, school, community, and system. Rather than isolating problems or applying one-size-fits-all solutions, we work holistically, transforming narratives, policies, practices, and beliefs. Our work is grounded in the Sims Framework, a culturally grounded and research-informed model that centers identity, belonging, and agency for boys of color.

 

The framework includes seven core components:

• Cultural Identity and Belonging

• Equity-Centered Instruction

• Agency and Advocacy

• Systems Awareness

• Affirmation and High Expectations

• Best Practices in Mentoring Boys of Color

• Culturally Centered Pedagogy

 

This framework drives every aspect of our work, from our direct programs and policy advocacy to how we train educators and partners.

 

As the backbone organization for My Brother’s Keeper Denver, we convene cross-sector partners to advance the MBK Local Action Plan. We lead initiatives such as the Male Educators of Color Fellowship and the Empowered Ambition Youth Development Program, delivering real-time impact while building long-term systems change.

 

Our Pillars

The Sims-Fayola Foundation’s Vision 2030 strategy is guided by three core pillars that define how we build capacity, drive systems change, and sustain community impact.

• Building Power: We equip boys, families, and educators with the knowledge, skills, and platforms to lead change. We center youth voice and create leadership pipelines across programs and policy.

• Shaping Systems: We influence policies and institutional practices in education, workforce, mental health, and justice to create equitable and responsive structures.

• Elevating Narratives: We shift public will by affirming cultural identity and changing how boys and young men of color are seen and supported through storytelling, communications, and ambassador engagement.

 

Our Objectives

Our objectives span the full journey of boys and young men of color, from cradle to career, and are designed to:

• Reduce school-based discipline disparities such as suspensions, expulsions, and truancy

• Increase participation in leadership, civic engagement, and enrichment opportunities

• Build critical social-emotional skills such as self-awareness, decision-making, and relationship-building

• Expand access to career pathways in underrepresented fields such as technology, healthcare, law, and education

• Decrease juvenile justice involvement by offering preventative, restorative, and alternative-to-sentencing interventions

• Equip youth-serving professionals and systems to meet the holistic needs of young men of color

• Shift public narratives, institutional policies, and community investments toward sustainable equity