My Why: I am creating a legacy of positive community impact and disruption of the school to prison pipeline. My community invested in me and in return I want to help young men of color overcome the societal barriers designed to keep them impoverished and uneducated. Due to the support I received I was able to overcome those same barriers.
Funder Spotlight
Dr. Erica Conners with Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction (left) and Ahmad Anderson, Richmond Mayoral Candidate (right)
As a new school year begins, I’ve been reminded of the importance of strong leadership and community partnerships in shaping the future for our young people. This past month, I had the honor of attending gubernatorial candidate Tony Thurmond’s birthday celebration and fundraiser, where I learned more about his vision for California’s schools and communities. I also connected with Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and Richmond mayoral candidate Ahmad Anderson, both deeply committed to strengthening opportunities for youth. Later in the month, I joined Congresswoman LaTeefah Simon’s Town Hall in Piedmont, where I shared IYT’s mission to increase the number of young men of color attending and completing college. She immediately affirmed our work, saying, “No, I am here to support you. I believe in your initiative. Young men of color are definitely underserved in our communities.”
Dr. Erica Conners with Oakland Mayor, Barbara Lee.
A Warm Welcome Back at MLK Jr. Academy in Marin
Program Manager Justin Goss sets a positive tone for the new school year, addressing brothers during a welcome-back pizza lunch at our MLK Jr. Academy site in Marin.
It was a special moment to see IYT Program Manager Justin Goss warmly welcomed back by returning students at our Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy site in Marin. The video below captures the essence of our brothers' understanding of their recognition, support, and value. This is an example of the qualitative data that showed the impact of the meaningful mentorship and support that IYY provides to its brothers.
IYT leaders partner with local officials and law enforcement to ensure every young person in our community feels welcome, important, and respected.
Know a Business That Belongs in the Community Champions Circle?
We’re looking for local businesses to sponsor IYT programs at Bay Area schools through our Community Champions initiative. If you know a business that’s passionate about education and equity, we’d love an introduction!
At Improve Your Tomorrow, we are deeply grateful for the generous support of funders from across the nation who make our work possible. Your contributions fuel life-changing programs that empower young men of color to achieve their full potential in education, career, and community leadership. Together, we are building brighter futures and stronger communities. Thank you for believing in our mission!
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