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:

Curriculum Outline

Unit 1: Defining Manhood and Self Image
Lesson plans to:
  • Establish norms, expectations and goal setting for program participation
  • Help participants define a positive, healthy meaning for manhood
  • Guide students through a reflection of behavior and self- image
 
Unit 2: Appropriate Communication
Lesson plans to:
  • Differentiate between types of communication
  • Help participants build tools for healthy communication
  • Practice healthy communication methods
 
Unit 3: The Choice: Education or Prison?
Lesson plans to:
  • Give background on School to Prison Pipeline
  • Help participants understand current systems landscape
  • Give students tools to advocate for themselves and their peers
 
Unit 4: The Importance of Showing Up (Presence Over Perfection)
Lesson plans to:
  • Help participants establish behaviors of responsibility and commitment
  • Cultivate acts of service to others in the community
  • Exercise consistency and reliability in activities 

Unit 5: Living the Five Virtues
Lesson plans to:
  • Explore TMP Five Virtues of Manhood
  • Understand the importance of the Five Virtues
  • Learn how to implement the Five Virtues in daily life practice

Unit 6: Discipline, Self-Guidance, and Leadership
Lesson plans to:
  • Give students tools to execute positive behavior change
  • Provide methods for students to support and encourage others to exhibit positive behaviors
  • Create long-lasting positive and impactful behavior
Outcomes
26209 Ford Rd.,  P.O. Box 291, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
TMP Development Services Inc., Tax ID 47-3901539, is a nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible in accordance with the Internal Revenue Service department  and federal laws associated with 501c3 status organizations.