In cooperation with a targeted Orange County School District, the program identifies African-American males in the beginning of their high school years (9th grade) and supports them through a four-year process of personal growth and exploration. Our objectives are to work with parents, public educators and community organizations to:

1. Guide African American male participants in establishing a clear and realistic understanding of adulthood.
2. Coach, mentor, and direct African American male participants along paths of self-exploration, improvement, and development, resulting in discoveries of latent creativity and a desire to excel.
3. Increase participants', expectations, academic skills, and confidence in self, family, community, and education system.
   

Phase I: PERSONAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT - through the exploration of knowledge of self, African and African American culture, history, achievements.

Needs
To increase awareness and knowledge of African American culture, history and spiritualism among African American males, in order to improve self-awareness and self-esteem, and build a level of consciousness that will motivate academic and social development.

To enhance and nurture the positive development of self in relation to others and the community at large and among African American males. To equip students with the ability to build positive relationships and positively resolve conflicts.

Goals
To provide African American males with opportunities to develop a rich and complete understanding and an appreciation of themselves, and to promote active involvement in their development as responsible adults.

Overview of Program Features

Rites of Passage Program

• Academic Achievement
• Afrocentric Philosophy and Spiritual Values
• African and African American History
• Self Awareness & Development
• Social, Community, Civic Perspectives
• Etiquette and Positive Social Behavior
• Introspection and Self Reflection
• Positive Relationships with Others
  
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