Mentoring Mentors Full FY 23 report

FounderMessage

Withimmensegratitude,Icomebeforeyoutoprovideanupdateonourorganization,shareour highlights,andexplorethegrowthopportunitiesthatlieahead.Itistrulyanhonortodiscussthe remarkablesuccessofourstudentsandreflectonthejourneythatMentoringMentorshas undertakensinceitsinception.

MentoringMentorswasfoundedin2014,andweofficiallyestablishedourselvesasan organizationonMarch13,2015.Ourrootstracebacktoafoundationbuiltuponcommunity serviceopportunitiesforAfrican-Americanhighschoolathletes.Itwasavisionthataimedto instillinthemtheimportanceofservingtheircommunity Sincethoseearlydays,ourmission hasevolvedandadaptedtoarticulatebetterwhatwedoandwherewe'reheaded.

In2015,wecoinedtheterm"NearPeerIntergenerationalModel."Thispivotalmomentcame whenwerealizedthatwhileprogramsareundeniablyvaluable,thetruetransformativepower liesinthepositiverelationshipswebuild.Evenmorecrucialisteachingyoungpeople,especially thosefromcommunitieswithsignificantchallenges,theartofforgingpositiveconnections. We'rededicatedtodismantlinglabelsandnurturingtheinherentstrengthsofouryouth.The missionofanyyouth-servingorganizationshouldbetodevelopthenextgenerationof communityleaders.

Thisapproachemphasizesthepowerofconnections,especiallyforyouthfacingsignificant challenges.Wearededicatedtonurturingtheirstrengthsanddevelopingthenextgenerationof communityleaders.

FounderMessage

Ourcollectiveexperiencesinformedmyleadershipdecisions,whereadversityhasshapedusinto change-makers.OurvisionisaprosperousandunifiedBaltimore,whereyoungpeopleare empoweredtoreachtheirfullpotential.

Aswenavigatethepathforward,weareeagertocontinueworkingalongsideourincredible communityofsupporters,mentors,volunteers,andpartners.Together,wecanrealizethevision ofaBaltimorewhereeveryyoungpersoncanthriveandcontributepositivelytoourshared future.Wethankouryouth,team,Boardofdirectors,communitypartners,families,andfunders. Iappreciateyoursupport,andhere'stothemanymoremilestonesandsuccessesthatlieahead.

AlphonsoMayo Founder,MentoringMentors

Organization Name

Mentoring Mentors Inc.

Address

Mentoring Mentors Inc. PO Box 67021 Baltimore Maryland 21215

Amount of Funding Received

Organization Code Description

$317,849.41 624110 (Child & YouthServices)

Introduction

Mentoring Mentors Inc. (MMI) is a Baltimore-based non-profit supporting youth development through building positive relationships and developing skills in self, personal, social, and emotional development. Our Intergenerational Near-to-Peer Mentoring model provides a safe and supportive space for youth to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. We empower young people to succeed in their schools, communities, and future endeavors through mentoring, tutoring, leadership development, college exposure, and career readiness programs. We have served over 200 youth through various programs and partnerships with schools and community organizations since 2014.

Mission

MMIs’ mission is to develop the next generations of community leaders.

Vision

MMI dreams of a prosperous and unified world where young people are empowered and supported to reach their full potential.

Mentoring Mentors have three focus areas:

1. Exposure

2. Social Development

3. Leadership Development

Mentoring Mentors Inc. Annual Report 2023

This report will focus on three out of four Mentoring Mentors' core programs: School and Community-Based Mentoring and College Tours.

● MMI School-Based Mentoring Program: Operates for seven months, two to three times weekly school-based program designed for youth ages 11 or in 6th grade to help develop essential social development skills. The program provides one-hour group meetings with youth during the school day, where the mentor engages youth in activities that promote social development and growth. The program is structured so the mentor follows a curriculum with various activities to help youth develop social skills, such as games, role-playing, and discussions focusing on communication, conflict resolution, behavior, self-care, and self-awareness. The first year is focused on building a solid foundation of trust and communication between the Mentoring Mentors team, mentors, youth, parents, and community school partners.

● MMI Community Base After School Program: Operates for seven months, three times weekly community-based after-school program designed to be conducted in a community-based setting, such as a local college, to provide guidance and support to youth ages 12 through 18 or grades 7-12. The program aims to help youth develop positive attitudes and behaviors, foster healthy peer relationships, excel academically, serve the community, and build the resilience needed to become community leaders. The program includes group discussions, public speakers, tutoring, financial literacy, life coaching, recreational activities, and community service projects.

● MMI Spring Break College Tour: Operates a week-long trip to provide high school youth with a firsthand look at college life and early college exposure. The program is specifically structured around the spring break period, when youth can visit colleges and universities nationwide. Youth visit ten colleges and universities, large and small, public and private, HBCUs, PWIs, and MSIs in multiple states.

Program Summary

MMI School Base Program

In our mission to serve the youth of Northwest Baltimore, we recognized the importance of building solid relationships with local schools. We identified several schools within our service radius, including Calvin Rodwell Elementary Middle, Dickey Hill Elementary Middle, Ashburton Elementary Middle, and a previous partner, Windsor Hills Elementary Middle. We aimed to introduce our program and establish meaningful connections within these schools.

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Wediligently contacted school Community Coordinators throughout the year to share information about our program. However, we encountered challenges along the way. Each school experienced leadership transitions, including changes in School Principals and Community School Coordinators. These shifts made establishing new community relationships within the schools' structures challenging.

From our observations and perspectives, it became apparent that the schools needed to be in a position to embrace new community partnerships readily. They also faced financial constraints that limited their ability to support additional programs. Effective in-person and email communication proved a significant hurdle in our efforts.

Undeterred, we conducted two or more site visits and meetings at each school, aiming to convey the value and impact of our program.

While all schools expressed interest in our program, the need for more effective communication and designated staff to facilitate partnerships posed significant challenges. Many schools needed more infrastructure for long-term relationship building, including proper training and support systems. While they were willing to embrace our organization's mission, there were hurdles, such as a need for formalities, data collection infrastructure, and a solid liaison to bridge the gap.

Despite these challenges, we remain committed to empowering youth and creating lasting community impacts. We will continue to explore opportunities to collaborate with schools and build relationships that benefit the youth we serve, even in the face of obstacles.

MMI Community Base After School Program

During FY 23, we had the privilege of serving 19 youths during our afterschool program, and we are proud to share that 100% of the participants from the previous year's program chose to return, highlighting the effectiveness and value of our programs. Our community-based mentoring program encompassed various components aimed at empowering our youth.

● Financial Literacy Education: 16-week financial literacy program divided into two phases. During the first eight weeks, students are taught the fundamentals of financial literacy through lecture-style lessons. In the second eight weeks, students engage in hands-on projects, meet industry experts, and participate in virtual simulations, such as managing stocks and competing against their peers to see who can make the most profitable investments.

○ Average participants 11

○ Community Partners

■ Truist Bank

■ Stevenson University Financial Management Association

P.O. Box 67021 Baltimore, MD 21215 | Mentorinfo@mentoring-mentors.org | www.mentoring-mentors.org

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■ The Loyola Consulting Group

● Academic Tutoring: 25-week tutoring program provided for students with a GPA below 3.3, focusing on individualized support through virtual one-on-one sessions, particularly for younger students in grades seventh through ninth.

○ Average participants 7-10 quarterly

○ Community Partner

■ AmLink Tutoring Services

● Community Service: Toencourage community engagement and foster empathy,students participate in 10 community service projects. These projects allow them to learn about disinvestment in communities, develop their leadership and team-building skills, and offer support to the community.

○ 16 participants

○ Average community service hours: 3-4

○ Community Partners

■ Still Meadow Community Church

■ City Beat Community Church

■ Creation of Culture

■ Family Network Survivor

■ Second Chance Inc

● Community Guest Speakers: Various industry executives from urban communities share their personal stories, knowledge, and experiences of overcoming trauma to inspire and motivate our youth. These inspirational speakers provide valuable insights and role models for the youth, further enhancing the youth's social development and motivation.

○ 22 weeks of speakers

Program Success

Mentoring Mentors hosted 152 program days. The program offered a holistic and nurturing environment, equipping youth with essential life skills, academic support, financial literacy education, community service experience, and exposure to diverse career paths. By empowering youth to become leaders and actively contribute to their communities, the program created a positive and lasting impact on their lives. One of our biggest successes was the consistent participation of a dedicated group of young people in our program. Our recruitment through our internship program made this possible, mainly through our partnership with Morgan State University. We were fortunate to have two interns from Morgan State who played a significant role in enhancing our organizational capacity. Another notable success during FY 23 was our focus on academic performance. We encouraged and supported our participants in their studies, and as a result, several young men achieved a GPA of 4.00 or higher. This was a significant

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Annual Report 2023

accomplishment and demonstrated the effectiveness of our program in promoting academic success.

Opportunity Areas for Program Improvement

● Staff Capacity: There needed to be more staff capacity for three-fourths of the program duration. This prevented our leaders from stepping outside day-to-day tasks to evaluate the program effectively. Toaddress this opportunity, we partnered with MorgansState and the University of Baltimore, recruiting three program staff to operate the day-to-day operations.

● High School Student Engagement: Some high school students faced scheduling conflicts and other activities that hindered their participation in the program. To address this opportunity, we adjusted the attendance policy to accommodate their schedules and attended our youth modeling shoes and sporting events with our youth participants.

● Student Recruitment: In 2020, Mentoring Mentors discontinued our school-based program hosted at partnering middle schools due to COVID-19. For FY 23, school-based mentoring was impossible due to changes in school leadership at our previous partnering schools. Toaddress this opportunity, we conducted targeted outreach efforts, identified several middle schools we would like to work with for FY 24, and developed an effective communication strategy for school partners. This will allow us to expand the program's reach and improve student recruitment.

● Fundraising Challenges: Due to leaders wearing multiple hats and engaging in direct service work, fundraising efforts were sporadic and sometimes resulted in months without funding. We are conducting a grant readiness assessment with a consultant to address this opportunity.

● Cross-Collaboration with Community Partners: There is an opportunity to enhance collaboration with community partners by reassessing and identifying better opportunities for cross-collaboration. We have listed organzation with similar programs and are currently conducting interviews to find suitable community partners.

MMI Spring Break College Tour

During FY 23, we served seven youths for the second annual college tour. In conjunction with our commitment to educational success, we organized college tours, exposing our mentees to P.O. Box 67021 Baltimore, MD 21215 | Mentorinfo@mentoring-mentors.org | www.mentoring-mentors.org

Mentoring Mentors Inc.

Annual Report 2023

higher education opportunities. By visiting colleges and universities, we aimed to ignite their aspirations, increase their understanding of the academic landscape, and promote the pursuit of higher education.

MMI organizes a spring break college tour each year for high school youth from underfunded, under-resourced, underprivileged communities and schools. The tour aims to expose youth to different colleges and universities nationwide. This report highlights the success and challenges of the tour, including the budget used to organize the trip.

● 2023 Youth College Participants:

○ Applicants 15

○ Attendees 7

○ 57% males and 43% females

○ Grade Range: 10th and 11th grade

○ High school represented:

■ Bard Early College

■ Dunbar High School

■ Edmondson High School

■ Forest Park High School

■ Baltimore Polytechnic Institute

Goal and Objectives

1. Tohelp students understand the differences between HBCUs, PWIs, and multicultural institutions.

2. Toprovide students with various college options to consider when making their college choices.

3. Toexpose students to different campus cultures and environments.

4. Toexpose students to academic and grade point average requirements.

5. Meet face-to-face with admissions counselors.

6. Tohelp students decide which colleges to apply to and attend.

Youth Reflections

I was quite confused during my first few minutes on the Spelman College campus. It seemed as if everyone had already known about Spelman, and I'd never heard about it nor ever seen someone who'd been there. As we started our tour, I immediately noticed how beautiful and well-kept the campus was. It's so important when you get to college to not only have a school that meets your academic requirements but your social and emotional requirements as well. No one wants to be at a school that doesn't make them feel comfortable. - Zion

Stokes ℅ 2025

Mentoring Mentors Inc. Annual Report 2023

Fiscal 24 Plans

For fiscal year 24, Mentoring Mentors is developing a comprehensive plan to ensure financial sustainability and enhance our programs' effectiveness. One of the critical steps we have taken is to prioritize the re-ramping of the program, which involves strategic decisions such as not hosting a summer program this year to focus on planning a more impactful school year program.

In Fiscal Year 24, our primary objective is to relaunch our school-based program with a strong emphasis on recruitment and building new relationships with young people in our community. This endeavor aligns with our goal of empowering youth and fostering lasting connections.

A significant milestone this year will be the graduation of our first cohort of the Intergenerational Near-to-Peer Model, comprising students who have been part of our program from the sixth grade through their 12th-grade year. With the reframing of our agenda, this is an excellent opportunity to relaunch and reaffirm our commitment to youth in our region.

To achieve this, we are actively pursuing the designation of a Lead School Agency. Our strategic approach involves collaborating directly with the Family League of Baltimore and submitting proposals to schools actively seeking Lead School Agencies. This designation will enhance our ability to reach and support more youth and establish deeper roots within the schools and communities we serve.

Through these efforts, we aim to revitalize our presence in the school-based program, engage with a fresh cohort of young individuals, and continue positively impacting their lives.

We are excited to collaborate with Loyola University to host our community-based program and partner with Stevenson University, Morgan State University, and the University of Baltimore to help strengthen our organizational capacity by recruiting volunteers, interns, and mentors.

A significant aspect of our rebuild and re-ramping efforts is reevaluating our logic model. Over the last 6 months, we have worked closely with Psychometric Solutions to redevelop our logic model, reassess our program structure, and align our goals and outcomes. This process allows us to ensure that our programs are evidence-based and maximize their impact.

Moreover, in fiscal year 24, we will collaborate with Morgan State University to research our program's focus and shift our attention toward addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and Behavioral Health (BH). This strategic shift allows us to address the broader factors affecting the well-being of our mentees and aligns with our commitment to holistic mentorship.

To ensure that our programs meet the needs and expectations of our stakeholders, we have conducted a comprehensive stakeholder survey. In partnership with Johns Hopkins, this survey

P.O. Box 67021 Baltimore, MD 21215 | Mentorinfo@mentoring-mentors.org | www.mentoring-mentors.org

Mentoring Mentors Inc.

Annual Report 2023

aims to gather feedback from over 300 individuals regarding communication, evaluation practices, program expectations, and community fit. By actively involving our stakeholders in decision-making, we can ensure that our programs remain relevant and impactful.

Individual Donor Highlights

At Mentoring Mentors, we believe in community power and individual contributions' collective impact. Our mission to empower and uplift the youth we serve would not be possible without the incredible generosity of our donors. Regardless of size, every donation significantly affects our ability to make a difference.

Over the last few years, we've witnessed an extraordinary outpouring of support from our donors, totaling over $50,000 an exceptional testament to their dedication to our cause.

In Fiscal Year 2022, our passionate supporters helped us raise $34,180.89 in individual donations, providing vital resources to fuel our programs and initiatives. The impact of their giving is immeasurable, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment.

In Fiscal Year 2023, despite the challenges faced, our donors demonstrated their unwavering support, contributing $23,425.62. Their resilience and belief in our mission have been a source of inspiration for us all.

We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to those whose contributions stood out:

Fiscal Year 2023 Individual Donors:

Top One-Time Gifts of $1000 or more:

★ Shawn Dove

Top Donor:

★ Naaman Brown

Fiscal Year 2022 Individual Donors:

Top One-Time Gifts of $1,000 or more:

★ Jeff Rumke

★ Ollen Douglass

★ Santana Brown

★ Mike Dunn

★ Sheena Saydam

P.O. Box 67021 Baltimore, MD 21215 | Mentorinfo@mentoring-mentors.org | www.mentoring-mentors.org

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Top Donor:

★ Naaman Brown

To all our donors, your continued support is the cornerstone of our success. Your contributions empower us to provide essential services to our community, and your belief in our vision drives us forward.

Thank you for being champions of positive change, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.

Funding Partners for the 2023 Fiscal Period

● Abell Foundation

● Annie E. Casey Foundation

● Arbor Dog Foundation

● Baltimore City Youth Fund

● Baltimore CommunityFoundation

● Building For God Community Foundation

● Care First

● Commencement Foundation

● Elbow Foundation

● Enterprise Holding

● Family League of Baltimore Foundation

Closing:

● Fund for Educational Excellence

● Grandchildren of Joseph and Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable

● Joseph and Mindy Schapiro Family Foundation

● Lockhart Vaughan Foundation

● Saul Ewing Firm

● T.Rowe Price Charitable Giving

● The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation

● Towers Cares Foundation

In conclusion, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Lockhart Vaughan Foundation for the support and generous financial contributions towards the success of Mentoring Mentors' 2023 program year. Your support has enabled us to provide valuable resources to our youth, helping them achieve their academic goals and reach their full potential.

We appreciate your continued dedication to our cause, and we are excited to share the success stories of our youth. Once again, thank you for your support, and we look forward to continuing our partnership.

P.O. Box 67021 Baltimore, MD 21215 | Mentorinfo@mentoring-mentors.org | www.mentoring-mentors.org

$317,849.41

FoundationGrantsContributionsfromIndividuals CorporateGiving BoardGivingProgramServiceIncome

PROGRAMS

School Base Program (SBP)

DETAILS

Duration: 7 months

Frequency: 3 sessions per week

Targeted Age Group: 11-year-olds (6th graders)

Purpose: Nurturing crucial social development skills in youth

OUTCOME

Community Base After School Program (CBASP)

Duration: 7 months

Frequency: 3 sessions per week

Targeted Age Group: 12 to 18-year-olds (7th-12th graders)

Setting: Conducted in a community-based location (e g , local college)

Objective: To develop positive attitudes, excel academically, build strong peer relationships, engage in community service, and cultivate the resilience needed for future leadership through a holistic, community-focused approach.

Youth will demonstrate improved academic performance, including increased grade point averages and standardized test scores.

Participants in will actively engage in community service projects, demonstrating their commitment to giving back and becoming responsible, community-minded individuals.

Duration: 1 week

Audience: High school students

Experience: Immersive college life exposure

Purpose: Offering early college insights and opportunities

High school students participating in the Spring Break College Tour will gain valuable early exposure to college life, fostering a deeper understanding of higher education opportunities.

Participants will return from the tour with increased motivation and clarity about their academic and career aspirations, contributing to enhanced college readiness and goal setting.

Spring Break College Tour

Impact Report

At Mentoring Mentors, we take pride in nurturing young talent and empowering future leaders. Our dedication to academic excellence and personal growth has resulted in significant achievements and positive impacts on our students' lives. Here's a glimpse into the success we've achieved:

High School Graduation Excellence:

We are thrilled to report a remarkable 100% high school graduation rate among our students. Their hard work and dedication have earned them impressive GPAs ranging from 3 0 to an outstanding 4.5. This accomplishment underscores our unwavering support for academic excellence and commitment to helping our students succeed.

College Placement Triumph:

Our efforts extend beyond high school, as evidenced by our outstanding 100% college attendance rate among high school graduates. This achievement starkly contrasts the citywide average of just 14%. Notably, 4 out of 6 graduates completed four-year college programs, while one excelled in a community college setting. This demonstrates our commitment to providing opportunities for higher education and career advancement

Exploring Educational Horizons:

Over the past two years, our students have embarked on an educational journey, exploring 20 colleges across eight states. These college visits have broadened their horizons and provided valuable insights into their future educational pursuits. Exposure to diverse learning environments is crucial for their personal and academic growth.

Enrichment Beyond the Classroom:

At Mentoring Mentors, we recognize the importance of holistic development. Our program offers students access to the National Leadership Program in Michigan and youth leadership organizations in Washington, DC, and New York. Additionally, we provide hands-on summer internship placements that align with their career aspirations. These enrichment opportunities prepare our students for success in a competitive world.

Fostering Positive Engagement:

One of our most significant achievements is the absence of contact with law enforcement among our young men. Equally noteworthy is the fact that there have been no removals from the program due to physical altercations or fighting. This underscores our success in fostering positive engagement and conflict resolution skills, creating a safe and supportive environment where our students can thrive.

As we celebrate these achievements, we also look to the future with a renewed commitment to providing the best possible support for our students. Their success is a testament to our team's dedication, our partners' support, and our young leaders' resilience.

Impact Report

Thank You Report

Thank You Report

Thank You Report

Thank You Report