Gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to build a bright future.
Tenacious Men is a male mentoring program for third- and fourth-grade students who want to build a solid foundation for future success. The program is an intentional and deliberate approach toward positively influencing black boys from marginalized communities surrounding the university. The concept is based on living the notion that, it takes a village to raise a child. As part of our community outreach, we feel the university should establish itself as part of that village and serve as a conduit through which that village can flourish.
With this mentality as a framework, community volunteers spend time mentoring young men in three phases. Phase one covers social skills and norms, which includes everything from how to tie a tie and shine shoes, to proper etiquette and conduct in various social settings. Phase two consists of workshops on goal-setting, life skills and financial literacy. The third phase focuses heavily on STEM.
Students meet for four hours, two Saturdays per month. During these meetings, students have time to discuss topics of their choice with mentors, engage in fun STEM-related activities, participate in workshops on various topics (grooming, dressing, speaking, etc.), enjoy lunch, design their superhero avatar, before ending with a wrap-up discussion.
Tenacious men 10 commandments
Participants enjoy mentoring from current WSU students and gain essential job and life skills, including:
- Best foot forward
- Tied in (making connections)
- Stay sharp
- Selling yourself (excellence)
- Dress to impress
- Financial literacy
- Groomed for perfection
- Never give up
- Respect the elders
- Hard work pays bills
Program partner
