EXP launched Young Fellows Program

We are excited to announce the launch of our Young Fellows Program, a mentorship program for boys of color.

Today, boys of color continue to face numerous obstacles to succeed in American society and suffer disproportionately from economic and social disadvantages. In fact, statistics show that boys and young men of color, regardless of socio-economic background, are disproportionately at-risk from early childhood to their college and career. Mentorship support is a powerful way to combat this systemic problem.

EXP’s Young Fellows Program seeks to define what it means to be successful and professional by connecting high school-aged boys of color to mentors representative of their own experiences, communities and backgrounds. It serves to engage and empower boys of color through a series of meaningful and impactful workshops that nurture academic, career and personal success through a social justice lens.

Boys of color participate in a series of sessions with volunteer mentors that address topics ranging from masculinity, mental health and advocacy, to creating a game-plan for their future. 

“What drew me to the Young Fellows Program is the fact that I get to work with underserved youth who are looking to take a leap forward,” said Nathaniel Nevels, a Chico State University student and one of the 20+ volunteer mentors. “As someone who grew up in South Central Los Angeles, this is my opportunity as a leader to share my experiences and inspire these young adults to take that leap.”

The 5-month program is open to high school-age boys of color from across 10 EXP-supported high schools in Southern California.

For more information and to get involved, please contact EXP Senior Program Manager Dr. Dennis Johnson at dennis@expfuture.org or 562.753.5357.