YOuth Empowerment Services

CAREER EXPLORATION, LIFE SKILLS WORKSHOP DEVELOPMENT, FACILITATION AND MENTORSHIP

At Mastermind Connect (“MC”), we believe in more than mere programs; we design transformative journeys through our Youth Empowerment Services (“YES”). Seamlessly blending classroom insights with the wisdom of the natural world, we root our initiatives in a culturally attuned social and emotional framework.

We aim to ignite a powerful sense of self-worth, cultivate a growth mindset, and foster an unbreakable bond of brotherhood.

Recognizing the distinct challenges our youth encounter, our ethos is unwaveringly inclusive, celebrating diversity in every facet. Through MC YES, we envision sculpting a generation of young men, confident in their identity, shattering societal constraints, and leading the way in justice, inclusivity, and community engagement.

In a landscape often missing a clear "Rite of Passage," MC steps in. We prioritize those transformative areas often overshadowed in traditional education and athletic endeavors.

Our approach is anchored by three unwavering pillars:

• Leadership & Brotherhood

• Personal Growth & Wellness

• Social & Environmental Justice

Participants have the opportunity to:

1. Attend lectures, panels, and presentations/workshops

2. Engage in empowering and forwarding dialogue with adult mentors

3. Participate in guided peer group discussions, educational and physical activities

4. Generate individual projects and portfolios, and create collaborative media and arts projects.

OUR PROGRAMS

Meet the Masters at Breakfast of Champions (“MTM”)

The purpose of the Meet the Masters at Breakfast of Champions (“MTM”) is to expose the youth population to a variety of career options by curating panel discussions with accomplished professionals. Each theme-based MTM event features 3-4 panelists. MC provides panelists and moderators for each session. Suggested ages: 12-17.

Each theme-based MTM features 3-5 panelists, who are vetted professionals. Themes include the following:

• Technology

• Film & Media

• Finance

• Social Media Influencers

Mastering Your Craft

In today’s information age, there is an importance in sitting with our youth to discuss their interests, desires and potential plans of action for their future. Our Mastering Your Craft program is an opportunity for our members to meet with participants, showing  the way for participants to take ownership of their professional future, and providing them with tools to accomplish it.

Mastering Your Craft is a life skills development workshop coordinated by vetted professionals within various industries. Participants are provided with at least six workshops to choose from, ranging from“ Building the Next Snapchat,” to “Influencing the World Through Arts and Culture.” Groups are composed of 10-20 participants, providing an intimate setting for optimal learning.

Mastermind + Masterbody

Mastermind + Masterbody is a workshop that focuses on helping young men become aware of the short and long term benefits of being self-aware of their wellness, and take better care of their minds and bodies:

Mastermind (Mindfulness/Breathing/Meditation)

This experiential mindfulness workshop teaches participants strategies for developing emotional awareness, attentional stability, self-control, empathy, and stress-management. Participants learn how mindfulness supports the social-emotional components of a high quality education, and promotes essential skills for academic achievement. This is a progressive, multi-tiered program. Suggested ages: 12-18.

Masterbody (Physical Wellness)

This workshop promotes proper physical care for optimal health and functioning. Students are educated and encouraged to have a balance of physical activity, nutrition and mental well-being to keep their bodies in top condition, nurturing personal responsibility for their own health. It includes a Bootcamp session. Suggested ages: 12-18.

The Inner/Outer Guide to Mental Strength

This workshop focuses on exploring critical consciousness to live and act with your whole being, helping you realize the creative flow that surrounds you. At a conscious level, nothing should be out of bounds. We can all learn from each other in the pursuit of the perfect self, by syncing the mind, body and soul. Suggested ages: 14 -18.

Camping to Connect

For youth living in America’s inner cities, nature is hard to come by. Current research indicates that exposure to nature can have numerous physical, emotional and cognitive benefits for young people, including greater attention capacities, reduced stress levels, and improved self-esteem. Camping to Connect is an experiential learning and mentorship program that addresses the issue of nature deficiency in urban youth. We use outdoor-based recreation to instill self-reliance, healthy lifestyle choices, leadership, introspection and brotherhood.

We teach young men how to set up camp, prepare meals, and survive outdoors. Breakout sessions with mentors explore goal-setting and promote peer bonding. Fitness and urban farm workshops introduce healthy living habits. Campfire rituals, meditation and journal-writing invite personal reflection. The young men return changed and inspired.

This is an off-site overnight experience for 10-20 young men. Suggested ages: 12-18.

Workshop Facilitators & Co-Facilitators are active members of Mastermind Connect with various professional and educational backgrounds.

inquiries

Since May, 2017, we have engaged in great strategic partnerships in the New York Metro area, such as with The New York City Department of Education, the Achievement First Charter Schools, Summer Search, and the Coalition for Hispanic Family Services.

We seek to roll out our Youth Empowerment Services nationwide. If you'd like to partner with us and use our Youth Empowerment Services at your school or youth organization, please contact us by completing the form below: