Our Approach

Research

More and more young men are lacking fathers and positive figures in their lives. They are being forced to find an identity and learn to navigate through society on their own, often receiving ineffective lessons from inexperienced peers or through negative stimuli. As a result, young men become more prone to:
  1. Poor behavior leading to
  2. Disengagement from school
  3. Disengaged students are more likely to dropout
  4. Dropouts are more likely to be incarcerated

  • 72% of African-American children are born to single mothers.
Homes without fathers account for:
  • 85% of children who show behavior disorders
  • 71% of high school dropouts
  • 85% of youth incarcerations
  • 63% of youth suicides

Why Mentoring & Coaching?

"Coaching and mentoring programs have proven themselves as an invaluable aspect of youth development. Mentoring can positively affect a young man's life by providing socioemotional support, scholastic, professional, or personal guidance in meeting predetermined goals. While mentoring in itself does not keep them away from negative influences, mentoring does provide an alternative perspective and support in the decision-making process. As a result, the mentee becomes more resourceful when faced with potential harmful situations and negative people." Benefits for Young People. (n.d.). Retrieved September 08, 2016, from http://youth.gov/youth-topics/mentoring/benefits-mentoring-young-people 

Strategy

Using a four-part modular approach to coaching and personal development, The Manhood Project uses these modular curriculum structures to introduce and reinforce concepts of self-management and leadership- that aids in the personal growth of its participants. Modular learning arranges each part of the module, so that they complete one another. Each module provides knowledge and skills towards proficiency in a particular SEL competency area. The four modules of The Manhood Project curriculum are: 
  • Exposure, connecting participants to positive individuals and unconventional experiences, while giving them real life examples of the lessons within The Manhood Project.
  • Education, directing TMP lessons with structured, educational workshops based on core areas of development and learning. The objective for education is to equip students with concrete knowledge that they are otherwise not exposed to during school or outside activities through an enlightening experience.
  • Community Engagement places students within service-learning and civic engagement opportunities, as well as within activities that build character and overall growth. The curriculum also focuses all lessons on how students engage with school and everyday communities, which result in positive behavioral changes.
  • Through Encouragement, TMP acknowledges all steps of student progress, by positive affirmations from facilitators, fellow students, school, and everyday community- allowing students to continue to make greater and sustainable gains.

Curriculum

The Manhood Project’s curriculum is  grounded on several models of youth learning, adult learning and development. These theories are woven within all lessons throughout the program. Research-based theories and trauma-informed strategies provide TMP with proven tools to build each participants personal capacity and SEL skills. TMP foundational models and theories include but are not limited to:
Outcomes
You don't have to be perfect. But you do have to be present. -TMP Motto