Our goal isn't just to help young Black men survive — it's to ensure they thrive, break generational barriers,
and rewrite the narrative of possibility!
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VISION IMPORTANCE
B.E.S.T. is committed to shifting the narrative from the "struggles of the Black man" to implementing solutions that empower young Black males while closing the opportunity gap.
Our program is meticulously crafted with the Black male experience at its core, striving not just for societal survival but for the flourishing of young Black males. Leveraging an asset-based approach and social cognitive career theory, B.E.S.T. proactively equips participants with vital resources to unlock their full potential while navigating and mitigating barriers to college and career success.
The urgency for such a program is underscored by systemic data illuminating the educational and professional hurdles facing Black males. Factors such as limited access to quality resources, systemic racism, over-policing, and socio-economic barriers contribute to lower graduation rates from high school and college, impeding progress into professional careers, and economic mobility. Targeted support is imperative for increasing access, graduation, recruitment, and retention rates for Black males in Minnesota. B.E.S.T. is poised to make a significant impact in bridging these gaps by addressing these disparities head-on.
IMPACT STRATEGY
From 9th grade onwards, B.E.S.T. enrolls students, providing continuous support and tailored programming throughout high school, college, and the first year of their careers.
Our holistic approach encompasses academic support (workshops and tutoring), life skills training, mentorship opportunities, career exploration and readiness, college preparation, health and wellbeing initiatives, and financial literacy and wealth development.
These components are meticulously designed to instill confidence, foster a growth mindset, and prepare participants to overcome the academic, professional, and social challenges of adulthood.
Our programs, both during the academic year and summer, are tailored to the unique experiences of Black male youths and young adults, fostering a supportive community that cultivates success and resilience.
To measure our effectiveness, B.E.S.T. employs a blend of qualitative and quantitative measures. Pre- and post-program surveys assess changes in participants' self-reported readiness for college and career, understanding of academic performance expectations, and confidence in navigating college and career life. As scholars move through the program, KPI's that we track include: high school graduation, college entry, degree attainment, and career entry.
To support the continued engagement and enthusiasm in our program, we are committed to co-creating with a council of program participants.
INTENTIONAL MOVEMENT
Our mission is in full swing on the Northside of Minneapolis!
With gratitude for the Northside Youth Enrichment Fund (NYEF) — generously supported by the Northside Funders Group — B.E.S.T. launched in the summer of 2024 with its inaugural cohort consisting of Black male high school graduates from North Minneapolis embarking on their college journeys. Since that time, B.E.S.T. has expanded its impact. In the spring of 2025, B.E.S.T. launched two high school cohorts. Together, with our college cohort, these young Black men represent present-day brilliance and hope for the future that is to come.
As we continue to deepen and expand our work, we aspire to eventually scale the B.E.S.T. model nationwide. We believe in the power of this work and know that young Black men everywhere deserve an enriching opportunity to thrive!
