Transcending stereotypes. Redefining what's possible.
WHAT WE DO
Fostering Brotherhood to Create Leaders
The Young Masterminds Initiative promotes leadership and positive self-awareness by creating unique experiences that teach young men of color about the value of brotherhood, community, and the pursuit of excellence, using a combination of peer learning, outdoor education, and mentorship programs.
WHY WE DO IT
Our Purpose
Young Masterminds Initiative exists because at a very young age, children look at their world and ask “What will I become when I grow up?”
For too many young men of color, the answer to this fundamental question has been a set of unrealistic images: portrayals too often distorted by negative media stereotypes or by the impossibly glamorous lives of a lucky few. Neither reflection tells the true story of what it means to be a man, a father, or a leader of color. Young Masterminds Initiative's work is as simple as it is profound: we show these young men a different image of adulthood that is positive, realistic, and achievable through discipline and dedication.
HOW WE DO IT
Our Programs
Young Masterminds Initiative was created to offer youth, ages 13 to 18, an opportunity to participate in uniquely designed life skills and pre-college programs, with self-awareness, identity, and empowerment as a core focus.
Our programs are facilitated by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) who seek to make a positive impact within their respective communities. This means engaging in structured, in-depth learning from professional men dedicated to their success, both personally and educationally, leaving a lifelong impression on participants, while instilling a deeper understanding about themselves, and the important role they play in their community.
An outdoor rite-of-passage experience
Camping to Connect is a BIPOC-led experiential mentorship program that uses outdoor recreation and nature immersion to address the diverse issues faced by young men of color in America’s cities—from mental health to healthy masculinity.
We provide young men of color with a safe space for meaningful conversations, connecting them with nature, their peers, and dedicated mentors. Our leadership reflects the backgrounds of our youth participants, fostering a vital paradigm shift in their self-perception and understanding of their place in the world.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to empower young men of color to redefine their futures through relatable mentorship, wellness practices, skill-building, and positive experiences that foster leadership, brotherhood, and personal growth.
Our Vision
We envision a world where young men of color confidently lead and redefine what's possible, while embracing their identity, transcending stereotypes, and advocating for justice, inclusion, and accountability in their communities.
Donations
YMI is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Each program we run makes a real difference. Since 2018, we’ve directly impacted over 1000 young lives through 100+ workshops, career panels, day hikes, and camping experiences.
