A FOCUS ON MENTORING YOUNG MEN AND BOYS OF COLOR (BYMOC)
Data shows that boys and young men of color, regardless of socio-economic background, are disproportionately at risk throughout the journey from their youngest years to college and career. For instance, large disparities remain in reading proficiency, with 86 percent of Black boys and 82 percent of Hispanic boys reading below proficiency levels by the fourth grade – compared to 58 percent of White boys reading below proficiency levels. Additionally, the disproportionate number of Black and Hispanic young men who are unemployed or involved in the criminal justice system alone is a perilous drag on state budgets, and undermines family and community stability. These young men are more than six times as likely to be victims of murder than their White peers and account for almost half of the country’s murder victims each year.
We know that relationships matter. America’s Promise’s Alliance (2015) recently released Don’t Quit on Me, a mixed methods study designed to better understand the obstacles confronting young people with a focus on the role that relationships play in their ability to thrive. In highly resourced families and communities, a robust web of relationships occurs organically and often intentionally for young people, and these networks grow and deepen over time. While many youth in communities of color do have access to caring adults and mentors, data suggests that BYMOC are disproportionately “disconnected” from more caring, non-parental adults. One study put the national rate of disconnection at 21.6 percent for Black youth, 20.3 percent for Native Americans, and 16.3 percent for Latinos; significantly higher than for Asian Americans (7.9 percent) or Whites (11.3 percent) (Lewis & Burd-Sharps, 2015). While data only tell one part of the story and we know that many BYMOC do have caring, committed adults in their lives, it is worthwhile to note that many do not have access to a vibrant web of intentional guidance and support at an age when their adult identities, experiences, and skills are developing. Thus, many BYMOC face an uncertain transition to adulthood. Mentoring can be one of their pathways to success, helping them successfully navigate the transition from school to work and from childhood to adulthood.
We know that relationships matter. America’s Promise’s Alliance (2015) recently released Don’t Quit on Me, a mixed methods study designed to better understand the obstacles confronting young people with a focus on the role that relationships play in their ability to thrive. In highly resourced families and communities, a robust web of relationships occurs organically and often intentionally for young people, and these networks grow and deepen over time. While many youth in communities of color do have access to caring adults and mentors, data suggests that BYMOC are disproportionately “disconnected” from more caring, non-parental adults. One study put the national rate of disconnection at 21.6 percent for Black youth, 20.3 percent for Native Americans, and 16.3 percent for Latinos; significantly higher than for Asian Americans (7.9 percent) or Whites (11.3 percent) (Lewis & Burd-Sharps, 2015). While data only tell one part of the story and we know that many BYMOC do have caring, committed adults in their lives, it is worthwhile to note that many do not have access to a vibrant web of intentional guidance and support at an age when their adult identities, experiences, and skills are developing. Thus, many BYMOC face an uncertain transition to adulthood. Mentoring can be one of their pathways to success, helping them successfully navigate the transition from school to work and from childhood to adulthood.
THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS: HOW AND WHY AMERICANS ENGAGE IN MENTORING
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WHY DO ADULTS MENTOR?
* To help youth become better educated: 72% * To give back to or improve my community: 59% * Concern about the next generation: 59% * Mentoring reflects values of service and nurturing: 55% |
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WHAT ARE THE TOP PERCEIVED BENEFITS?
* Having a positive role model: 78% * Better development of morals/values: 69% * Encouragement of healthy behaviors: 67% * Improved decision-making/problem solving: 65% * Help overcoming personal challenges: 65% |
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SOCIETAL BENEFITS
* Higher educational achievements of students: 51% * Reduced community violence: 46% * Stronger morals and values as a nation: 46% * Promote healthy relationships: 46% * Promote equal educational opportunities: 44% |
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OUR MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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Empowered Ambition Youth Development Program for Young Men
(EAYD) 
What is the Empowered Ambition Youth Development Program?
Empowered Ambition Youth Development (EAYD) Program for young men is an 18 module proprietary character development and leadership program for schools and other organizations designed by Sims-Fayola Foundation, ,with support from MENTOR COLORADO, to equip young men with the skills needed to make their futures look like their dreams. The EAYD Program engages young men in deep, reflective work using restorative practices, conflict resolution, mentoring, and goal setting practices. EAYD also exposes the young men to the arts, financial literacy, and martial arts. The Mentoring Component of EAYD The mentoring component of EAYD is an online e-mentoring approach. This approach is great for busy professionals who would like to be a mentor, but can't commit to showing up to a physical location on a set day each week. Using an online platform, the mentors commit to connecting with their matched mentees using their phones, computers, iPads, etc from anywhere in the country! Each week the young men will reach out to their matched mentor to engage in a conversation about the session topic they covered that day. The mentor has one week to respond to the mentee. It's that simple! For the safety of the mentor and the mentee, the conversation is monitored by our staff to ensure proper communication is happening. |
Community Mentorship Program (CMP) & Community Virtual Mentorship Program (CVMP)
The I AM A FAYOLA MAN Community Mentorship Program (CMP) is our mentoring program for young men from the general community. Due to COVID restrictions, we also have implemented a virtual/online version of this program as well called Community Virtual Mentorship Program (CVMP). Unlike EAYD, CMP and CVMP is for young men who are not associated with a specific school or organization.
How does CMP/CVMP work? CMP and CVMP are mentoring programs focused on character development, social emotional learning (SEL), and career exploration for young men between the ages of 11-21. Mentorship Sessions Mentors and mentees will meet monthly (CMP) or bi-weekly (CVMP) over 12 months to engage in mentorship meetings facilitated by Sims-Fayola Foundation staff. During CMP, six of the sessions will be facilitated by our mentorship coordinator and will focus on a project designed for the mentor and the mentee to complete together. The remaining six session will be open sessions for the mentor and mentee to connect around something they'd like to do or discuss. SFF believes that when people work together to solve an issue, a bond develops that facilitates deeper levels of engagement around other areas of life. During CVMP, the mentor and mentee will meet bi-weekly via ZOOM sessions. Mentor Training and Support Mentors in CMP and CVMP will be trained and supported throughout the entire time in mentoring best practices, establishing boundaries, and working with young men. Mentors will also be supported after each mentorship session as well with bi-weekly calls with our Mentorship Coordinator. |
BECOMING ONE OF OUR MENTORS
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MENTORING IS ON THE RISE!
Mentoring is on the rise, and that's great news for young people and adults alike. Rates of mentoring have increased over time, creating positive impact for today's young people and future generations. Why? Young people with mentors tend to become mentors, too! MENTORING UNITES US * 73% of mentors are mentoring youth of a different ethnicity. * 77% of mentors are mentoring youth of a different socioeconomic class. * 83% of Americans support government funds for youth mentoring programs and two-thirds of Americans consider it highly important for youth to have mentors. |
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