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Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc. America’s Premier Youth Leadership Program
Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc. (DYG) is a national non-profit entity fully committed to addressing a myriad of multi dimensional issues permeating throughout the world. DYG of America, Inc. firmly stands on the principles of Manly Deeds, Academic Excellence, and Servant Leadership. Our comprehensive strategies encompass an innovative accelerated student curriculum designed to tangibly impact the quality of life. The overall mission and purpose of DYG of America, Inc. impact significantly more then the students provided critical services in the form of weekly mentoring, tutoring, enhancement workshops and community engagement. Our students are trained and prepared to deal with generational cycles of ignorance, apathy, and a wide range of pertinent community issues.
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Core Objectives
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Raise college scholarship funds for minority male students and socially economically challenged male students graduating from high school. Raise college retention scholarship funds for minority male students and socially economically challenged male students pursuing higher education. Serve as an effective hub and networking outlet for talented minority male students. Function as an accelerated training ground that develops and prepares the next generation of effective local, state, and national leaders.
DYG of America, Inc. effectively addresses the following social problems: Minority Male High School Dropout Rate & College Graduation Rate Teenage Pregnancy and STD Rate Self Identity Issues that Create False Perceptions Health & Wellness Deficiencies Economic Development & Financial Empowerment Deficiencies Cultural Awareness and Professional Development Deficiencies Community Apathy for Political and Civic Engagement
DYG of America, Inc. strongly considers the following: Students from single parent households Students from low income households
Students with leadership and academic track records Students with limited leadership experience and weak academic track records
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The VALUE of DYG A Measurable & Effective Student Core Academic Support System
DYG conducts a series of aptitude test/student interviews upon program entry to accurately evaluate all student deficiencies and strengths DYG conducts mandatory academic performance assessments with every parent/guardian and student on a quarterly basis DYG maintains consistent interaction with school guidance counselors and administrators Students receive interactive tutoring sessions and standardized test preparation materials Students receive workshops on standardized test taking and confidence builders to achieve high scores Students attend accelerated writing camps to improve their written communication skills If a student needs additional assistance in a core academic area, additional resources and strategies are identified to ensure student success A Comprehensive & Measurable College Transition/Retention Program Students are prepared for post high school educational pursuits and equipped with the necessary tools to be valuable assets throughout society Program staff continues to track and support students post high school graduation via mentoring and the identification of life management resources
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Effectively Training Community Advocates To Address Critical Social Problems Impacting Our Community/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// DYG conducts interactive learning sessions to equip students with the necessary skills to address issues DYG instructs students on the art of verbal and non verbal communication DYG emphasizes the importance of servant leadership through applied service learning experiences Students learn how to appropriately address issues with clear objectives and measurable outcomes Students develop a consistent track record of improving the quality of life throughout their community
Students are trained and prepared to deal with generational cycles of ignorance, apathy, and mediocrity
Implementing and Sustaining Comprehensive Community Impact Initiatives/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Sagging Pants Campaign “Stop Saggin & Start Swaggin� Campaign Grassroots Financial Literacy Campaign Health & Wellness Community Initiative Civics & Americanism Initiative All allotted campaign/initiative resources are maximized and impact underserved demographic/geographic areas
Students will effectively bring together community partners and stakeholders with invested community interest Sustaining comprehensive community initiatives will provide the critical framework for prospective large scale national grant opportunities
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An Innovative & Measurable Peer-To-Peer Student Engagement Module//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Students are effectively trained to lead their peer network groups via a wide range of vital areas including professionalism and social media etiquette Student resources and services intangibly and tangibly impact a large network of students outside of the students receiving Peer-to-Peer Engagement strategies provide direct access to students that are engaging in activities or practices that will negatively impact the future of our communities Credible Peer to Peer Engagement strategies are more effective then traditional methods including out of touch adults providing information that doesn’t resonate with targeted students Peer to Peer Engagement with minority males is the best method to encourage students for example to perform well academically and pursue higher education, dress appropriately and stop sagging their pants, and participate in positive activities throughout the community
Enhancing The Scope Of Student Exposure Via Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Talented students are exposed to an array of STEM fields to address a national shortage of trained professionals Local student talent in our communities are courted and retained via local area business mentors that have a primary STEM focus Through consistent STEM Tutor Sessions the targeted academic focus prepares students with a diagnosed IEP (Individual Educational Plan) status to perform at a high level on standardized test Providing students with academic integrated modern technology resources effectively meets students at their median to stimulate proactive learning Low income students that are denied access to higher educational experiences due to rapidly increasing tuition cost, will be eligible for a larger pool of college scholarships
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An Interactive & Accelerated Student Life/Character//////////////////////////////////////// Development Curriculum Students are exposed to critical/situational thinking activities that improve their ability to focus and operate under pressure Students receive vital development via the following areas:
Time Management Skills Dinner Etiquette Skills Mechanical & Technical Skills Social Media Etiquette Crisis Management Skills Money Management Skills Culinary Skills Students are trained to interact with their female counterparts and understand the importance of chivalry as the key focal point Students are delegated important leadership responsibilities to develop their organizational management skills Students are exposed to very high ethical standards that serve as a conduit for developing leaders with a clear understanding and grasp of integrity Leadership and Professional Development Workshops. All members are encouraged and trained to be effective school and community leaders. A database of school and community leadership opportunities pursued and completed by students are tracked and supported by Program Staff
Consistent Structured Interaction With Students To Minimize Negative Outcomes & Detrimental Life Decisions/////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Minority Male students need more then traditional program resources. They must have a strong sense of belonging and take great pride in their involvement and participation to maximize all available opportunities Utilizing a internal accountability system via elected/appointed leaders, students are retained and remain consistently engaged DYG makes unscheduled and scheduled site visits to all schools to transparently emphasize the importance of success Functions as a internal hub for ingenuity and creativity initiated by critical positive interaction DYG of America / 7
Community Engagement
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National Summer Academy “America’s Cream of the Crop”
24 gifted minority male high school students from around the United States are selected every year from a large competitive talent pool of applicants to attend the annual National Summer Academy. The competitive two-week academy features an innovative accelerated student curriculum encompassing the following academic modules:
Financial Literacy/Entrepreneurship Professional/Personal Development Leadership/Communication Foreign Affairs/Globalization Advanced African Studies Accelerated Curriculum Modules 8 / DYG of America
D.Y.G. National Summer Academy Accelerated Curriculum will accomplish the following:////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Develop and implement strategies to provide effective leadership on critical issues facing our local communities Create a hub and networking outlet for talented Minority Male Students Function as an accelerated training ground that develops and prepares the next generation of local, state, and national leaders Teach relevant tangible life skills (oratorical, culinary, mechanical, technical, and etiquette skills) Develop and cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit Enhance social, professional development, and life skills Teach financial literacy and wealth building strategies Empower students through the teaching of Advanced African Studies, Communal Values, and Foreign Affairs Broaden the intellectual capacities of all participants through reading and analyzing relevant essays, poems, and books Expose participants to high quality cultural, academic, and community-oriented activities
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Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc.
National Headquarters///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Margo H. Bindhardt Student Development Center The Bindhardt Center, named in honor of Margo Humphrey Bindhardt, was a national acclaimed fierce champion of arts and education throughout the United States and Canada. The original benefactor of Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc., Bindhardt played a critical role in the development of “America’s Premier Youth Leadership Development Program” prior to her passing in May of 2009. “Without the genuine love and empathetic spirit of Margo Bindhardt and the continued support of her family, Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc. would not be making the impact we are making today” said DYG of America, Inc. National Board Chairman Gallop P. Franklin, II. Via the strong support of vested community stakeholders, the Margo Bindhardt Center features a student computer center with updated academic and standardized test preparation software; a student academic support center with essential resources that support weekly tutoring programs and workshops; a student lounge area possessing interactive technology resources and amenities that consistently engage students; and a student friendly atmosphere encompassing student office meeting space and student development resources. Located in Florida’s Capital City, the Bindhardt Center provides innovative academic and leadership development resources for middle school and high schools students.
DYG CHAPTER EXPERIENCE
Please visit www.DYGOFAMERICA.org for a current listing of charted locations approved by the Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc. National Board of Directors. 10 / DYG of America
EVERY DOLLAR MAKES A DIFFERENCE NATIONAL CAMPAIGN
Community Stakeholders & Partners
“There is a strong reason why The Links, Inc. continues our long term partnership with DYG said Linda Dilworth, The Links, Inc. Tallahassee Chapter President. We are fully committed to strengthening and enhancing our communities in a tangible way across the United States.”
Contact
www.DYGOFAMERICA.org Please visit www.DYGOFAMERICA.org for the following: • Directors@DYGOFAMERICA.ORG • National Headquarters Address: 2334 Capital Circle North East, Tallahassee, Florida 32308 • National Organization Mailing Address: 2606 Pottsdamer Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32310 @DYGofAMERICAInc
Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc.
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Health & Nutrition Leadership Project
Funded by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation (BCBSF Foundation) to address the causes of childhood obesity, DYG successfully implemented a comprehensive and measurable health component to increase health & wellness for youth. The DYG Health & Nutrition Leadership Project engages youth leadership, access to healthy foods, and physical activity amongst youth via the following: Activities
Structured curriculum sessions on healthy eating and physical activity
Physical activity competitions/workouts
Annual Health Step Show Competition
Health and Nutrition Workshops
Receiving guidance and education on developing an eatable garden
Goals: Enhance the student’s knowledge on health, nutrition, and physical activity Boost student’s participation in physical activities Develop youth leaders on health and nutrition Improve healthy food intake such as fruits and vegetables Partners/Supporters
The Links, Inc., iGrow, Nathan Ballentine, Success Athletic Training (S.A.T), Earthfare Inc., Tallahassee Youth for, Change (TYC), Child Obesity Prevention Education (COPE)
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