Programs

#NextStep

A 12-Week Leadership, Accountability & Workforce Development Program

Target Group: 20 boys (middle–high school age)

Program Length: 12 weeks

Program Focus: Identity development, emotional regulation, leadership growth, and career readiness

PROGRAM GOAL

To strengthen academic engagement, increase emotional regulation, and develop leadership and career readiness skills by engaging teen boys in a structured 12-week mentorship and accountability-based development program.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE (12 Weeks)

Weeks 1–3: Identity & Accountability Foundations

• Personal identity exploration

• Goal setting and academic baseline check-ins

• Responsibility and discipline development

• Building trust and program expectations

Weeks 4–6: Emotional Regulation & Communication

• Managing stress and frustration

• Healthy expression of emotions

• Conflict resolution skills

• Peer respect and teamwork exercises

Weeks 7–9: Leadership Development & Character Building

• Leadership styles and role modeling

• Decision-making and consequences

• Integrity and accountability

• Community responsibility discussions

Weeks 10–12: Career Readiness & Future Planning

• Professional communication and conduct

• Career pathway exploration

• Workforce expectations and time management

• Final reflection and growth assessment

CORE CURRICULUM PILLARS

Pillar 1: Academic Reinforcement & Executive Functioning

• Goal tracking and progress monitoring

• Reading and comprehension discussions

• Writing through reflection exercises

• Time management and organization skills

Pillar 2: Emotional Awareness & Self-Regulation

• Identifying triggers and responses

• Stress management tools

• Healthy coping strategies

• Structured peer accountability

Pillar 3: Leadership & Responsibility Development

• Decision-making frameworks

• Public speaking and communication

• Team-based challenges

• Accountability exercises

Pillar 4: Career Exposure & Workforce Preparation

• Professional conduct and workplace expectations

• Career exploration activities

• Introduction to apprenticeships and mentorship

• Resume basics and goal-setting

#SheDidThat

Teen Girls Initiative

A 12-Week Academic, Leadership & Empowerment Program Target Group: 20 girls (middle–high school age)

Program Length: 12 weeks

Program Focus: Academic growth, emotional wellness, leadership development, and career readiness

PROGRAM GOAL

To increase academic performance, strengthen emotional resilience, and enhance leadership and career readiness by engaging girls in a structured 12-week empowerment program that integrates academic reinforcement, social-emotional learning, identity development, and workforce preparation.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE (12 Weeks)

Weeks 1–3: Identity & Academic Foundations

• Goal setting and academic baseline assessments

• Self-esteem and identity development

• Executive functioning and organization skills

Weeks 4–6: Emotional Wellness & Communication

• Emotional regulation and stress management

• Healthy peer relationships

• Conflict resolution and communication skills

Weeks 7–9: Leadership Development

• Public speaking and presentation skills

• Team collaboration exercises

• Accountability and responsibility training

Weeks 10–12: Career Readiness & Personal Branding

• Career pathway exploration

• Professional conduct and workplace expectations

• Personal branding and leadership mindset

• Final reflection and growth assessment

CORE CURRICULUM PILLARS

Pillar 1: Academic Skill Development

• Reading comprehension and discussion facilitation

• Writing through reflection journals

• Math through budgeting and planning

• Executive functioning reinforcement

Pillar 2: Health, Wellness & Social-Emotional Learning

• Emotional awareness and regulation

• Stress management tools

• Confidence-building practices

• Structured peer support

Pillar 3: Leadership & Workforce Readiness

• Professional communication

• Accountability and discipline

• Career exposure opportunities

• Goal-setting and future planning

Pillar 4: Identity, Confidence & Personal Branding

• Academic goal ownership

• Personal leadership identity

• Professional presence and presentation

• Long-term success planning

#BraidsToBrilliance

A 10-Week Academic, Wellness & Workforce Development Program
Target Group: 20 girls (middle–high school age)
Program Length: 10 weeks
Program Focus: Academic growth, health & wellbeing, career readiness through professional braiding

PROGRAM GOAL
To increase academic performance, improve physical and emotional wellbeing, and strengthen career readiness by engaging girls in a culturally relevant, skill-based braiding workforce program that integrates education, health literacy, and employability training.

CORE CURRICULUM PILLARS

Pillar 1: Academic Skill Development (Embedded Learning)
Braiding activities are intentionally designed to reinforce academic skills without traditional classroom pressure.
Academic Skills Addressed:
• Math (measurement, time tracking, pricing)
• Reading comprehension (instructions, client consultations)
• Writing (reflections, goal setting, client notes)
• Executive functioning (planning, sequencing, follow-through)
Instructional Strategies:
• Step-by-step braiding sequences
• Timed practice sessions
• Budgeting and pricing exercises
• Reflection journals and progress tracking

Pillar 2: Health, Wellness & Social-Emotional Learning
Participants learn how physical health, mental wellbeing, and self-care are connected to personal and professional success.
Wellness Topics:
• Hair and scalp health
• Sanitation and infection prevention
• Proper tension techniques
• Stress management and emotional regulation
• Self-esteem and identity development
Wellness Practices:
• Weekly check-ins
• Mindfulness during braiding
• Confidence-building discussions
• Safe peer support environment

Pillar 3: Career Readiness & Workforce Skills
Braiding serves as an entry point to workforce development and economic empowerment.
Workplace Skills Developed:
• Punctuality and attendance
• Professional communication
• Customer service
• Accountability and responsibility
• Teamwork and problem-solving
Career Exposure:
• Salon careers
• Apprenticeships
• Freelance/self-employment
• Beauty entrepreneurship