ISSUES
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Black students in Ohio are 4.3 times more likely than white students to face suspension or expulsion. In Cincinnati, Black students represent 93% of out-of-school suspensions and 89% of police referrals in schools.
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Black youth represent 56% of the Department of Youth Services' juvenile population in Ohio, despite making up a smaller percentage of the overall youth population.
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In 2024, 24 juveniles were shot in Cincinnati, including 5 fatalities, marking a significant increase from the previous year.
History
Founded in 2017, BoyZ II Men has served as a transformative mentoring initiative dedicated to developing character, leadership, and emotional intelligence among young men.
The mission of BoyZ II Men is to empower and support low-income youth, particularly young men in grades 6–12, by providing mentorship, fostering leadership, and guiding them toward higher education and lifelong success. The program equips participants with the tools, confidence, and skills needed to overcome challenges and become productive, self-aware leaders in their communities.
Since its inception, the program has built strong partnerships with organizations that share its vision. One of its earliest collaborations in (2017 -2025) was with Boys Hope Girls Hope, a private group home, academic, and leadership organization, where BoyZ II Men helped mentor and guide students toward personal growth and higher education.
In addition, the program has expanded its reach through a partnership with Changing Lives Youth Services Group Home (2025), where it provides specialized mentoring and life skills training for young men in residential care. This private partnership focuses on addressing the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of system-involved youth.
Now, BoyZ II Men is taking the next step, launching a community-based version of the program that will be open to all boys in the community. This new chapter aims to create accessible opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, and emotional growth, ensuring every young man has a path to success and positive manhood.
Program Structure
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Start Date: January 15th - May 15, 2026, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
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Location: 4400 Reading Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
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Target Group: Boys in grades 6–12
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Capacity: Small cohorts for individualized attention
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Method: Interactive workshops, hands-on activities, mentorship, and consistent support
Program Themes & Focus Areas
Each session is designed to build emotional maturity, accountability, and leadership through interactive discussions and hands-on activities.
Discovering My Journey
Encouraging self-exploration and goal setting.
Influence
Understanding circles of influence and learning how to make positive choices amidst peer pressure.
Setting Expectations
Establishing personal core values, boundaries, and standards for growth.
Defining Manhood
Exploring modern concepts of masculinity and what it means to be a man today.
The Man Box
Challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity.
Cry Like A Man
Encouraging healthy emotional expression and breaking emotional barriers.
Emotional Incarceration
Addressing the long-term effects of emotional suppression.
Expressing My Emotions
Learning tools for effective emotional communication.
What Do I Do When I'm Angry?
Teaching anger management and conflict resolution
strategies.
How to Deal with Conflict
Building constructive problem-solving and communication skills.
Team Building Exercises
Promoting cooperation, trust, and unity among participants.
Our Volunteers
Our program is powered by a team of dedicated volunteers who are committed to supporting the growth and success of young men in our community. Volunteers serve as mentors, role models, and facilitators, guiding participants through interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and personal development exercises.
What Volunteers Do:
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Provide one-on-one mentorship and guidance
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Lead group discussions and interactive activities
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Support goal setting, personal growth, and accountability
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Serve as positive role models and community leaders
Join Us:
We welcome community members who are passionate about empowering young men to become confident, responsible, and successful individuals. Our volunteers receive training and ongoing support to ensure a meaningful and impactful experience.
