This project will support the Kool Boiz Foundation in virtually offering their Promising Men Mentoring Program for boys in grades 6-8 as well as their Young Men’s Empowerment Conference Series for boys in grades 7-12. The Kool Boiz Foundation will provide these mentoring and empowerment opportunities through monthly 2-hour virtual conferences.

These conferences encourage long-term success through education, leadership, life skills, and hard work. The goal is to address the challenges of boys and young men of color in Youngstown through a comprehensive, intergenerational approach that promotes successful change.

The Kool Boiz Foundation is a Black-led organization: over 50% of the board is Black and the executive director identifies as Black. The organization also serves the Black community.

Support for Black-led organizations and projects serving the Black community is especially critical right now. As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, there are many needs facing communities throughout the country and in Appalachian Ohio, with Black communities among the most impacted.

The Kool Boiz Foundation of Youngstown knows that encouraging resilience and possibility is a community job. The Young Men’s Empowerment Conference Series provides young men of color in Youngstown an opportunity to engage in monthly conversations about exploring long-term success through education, leadership, life skills, and hard work from community leaders and stakeholders.