One of the most valuable resources we can give our scholars is access to positive role models who expose them to new possibilities and help prepare them for the future. The 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County provides this type of support through mentoring programs designed to help young people become College Ready, Career Ready, and Life Ready.
For students in grades 4–8, the Saturday Leadership Academy (SLA) provides mentorship and exposure to leadership development, STEM, financial literacy, health and wellness, career awareness, and community service. These experiences help scholars build confidence, character, positive habits, and leadership skills while introducing them to opportunities beyond the traditional classroom.
For students in grades 9–12, the Pathways to Success (P2S) program focuses on leadership, college and career readiness, financial literacy, life skills, professional development, mentorship, and experiential learning. Students can also participate in specialized programs focused on entrepreneurship and business or investing and wealth building. Through these experiences, scholars can learn business planning, marketing, innovation, public speaking, investing, portfolio management, and other practical skills that prepare them for adulthood.
The mentorship component is especially important. Our children benefit from having a network of positive adults invested in their success. Parents will always be their first advocates, but mentors can reinforce the lessons being taught at home while offering different experiences and perspectives. A mentor may introduce a scholar to a career they never knew existed, encourage them to set higher goals, help them develop professional skills, or simply provide another trusted adult who believes in their potential.
Exposure matters. Our scholars cannot pursue opportunities they do not know exist. When young people meet successful professionals, learn about careers, understand how money and investing work, develop leadership skills, and experience entrepreneurship firsthand, their vision of what is possible can expand.
Parents Supporting Educational Excellence encourages families to consider mentorship as another important part of their scholar’s educational journey. Academic preparation is critical, but preparing our children for the future also means surrounding them with positive role models and giving them opportunities to develop confidence, leadership, financial literacy, career awareness, and life skills.
Programs like the 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County can help families build that broader foundation for success.
