Congratulations to Our Young Fellows Program Inaugural Class!

More than 70 students, mentors, staff, friends and family were on hand to celebrate the inaugural culmination of EXP's Young Fellows Program on May 13th. All 46 high school boys of color from 12 schools emerged from the 6-month mentorship program with a heightened sense of self-worth, confidence, a game plan for post-high school success, and a group of 24 mentors to guide them.

"I've done a lot of mentoring and I have never seen anyone discuss the topics like mental health, masculinity, and advocacy," said YFP mentor Leonard Washington of The Washington Group. "These are powerful topics to discuss with young men of color that will have a lasting impact."

Jason R., a junior at Phineas Banning High School, found the insights from mentors and interaction with other Fellows not only helpful but hopeful. "I realize that despite the many obstacles we faced in the world today, there's still hope for the future."

So, what's next for the Young Fellows Program?

With the positive results of the pilot program, EXP plans to continue the Young Fellows Program again in the new academic year starting this fall, providing boys of color with a safe space to discuss even more topics that are usually go unaddressed.

If you are interested in mentoring, or would like more information about the Young Fellows Program, please contact EXP Program Manager Eva Levingston at eva@expfuture.org.

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