WEBVTT 00:01.167 --> 00:02.569 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% (gentle music) >>Our guest today 00:02.569 --> 00:04.204 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% is the founding President of an organization 00:04.204 --> 00:06.973 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% dedicated to eliminating the achievement gap 00:06.973 --> 00:09.576 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% in our community for African-American males 00:09.576 --> 00:11.678 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% in grades K through 12. 00:11.678 --> 00:14.547 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% Join us as we visit with Dr. Bernard Hairston 00:14.547 --> 00:16.583 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to learn about the programs provided 00:16.583 --> 00:19.386 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% by 100 Black Men of Central Virginia. 00:19.386 --> 00:20.487 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% Come on! 00:20.487 --> 00:23.890 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (gentle music continues) 00:27.527 --> 00:28.962 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% So tell us about the goals 00:28.962 --> 00:31.064 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and the mission of the organization. 00:31.064 --> 00:35.435 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% >>Well, the mission is about improving the quality of life 00:35.435 --> 00:38.338 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% in Central Virginia, for all of our citizens, 00:38.338 --> 00:41.641 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% specifically our African-American population. 00:41.641 --> 00:43.276 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% The goal of our program 00:43.276 --> 00:45.945 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% is to assist our area public school divisions 00:45.945 --> 00:47.614 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% in closing the achievement gap, 00:47.614 --> 00:50.316 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% specifically focusing on the African-American males 00:50.316 --> 00:52.185 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% who are underachievers. 00:52.185 --> 00:55.488 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And, as a school system, we know that that is a challenge 00:55.488 --> 00:57.724 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% that we have not mastered. 00:57.724 --> 00:59.459 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And we decided to pull a group 00:59.459 --> 01:03.229 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% of African-American men together, with diverse backgrounds, 01:03.229 --> 01:06.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to talk about what impacted them the most 01:06.866 --> 01:08.101 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% in being successful. 01:08.101 --> 01:10.937 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And as a result of that collaboration, 01:10.937 --> 01:14.407 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% we started investigating models that were currently in place 01:14.407 --> 01:16.643 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and we stumbled across this organization 01:16.643 --> 01:18.978 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% called 100 Black Men of America 01:18.978 --> 01:21.815 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and we submitted an application for charter, 01:21.815 --> 01:24.184 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% we had to go through an interview process, 01:24.184 --> 01:28.455 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and we were accepted, and chartered, in 2009. 01:28.455 --> 01:33.359 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% >>I had this man right here and he helped me out 01:33.359 --> 01:34.894 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and then increased my grades 01:34.894 --> 01:38.565 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% and then I walked out with all A's and B's in my classes. 01:38.565 --> 01:41.201 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% There was this one class where I got a 79 01:41.201 --> 01:43.803 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% but then I knew I could have probably improved on that 01:43.803 --> 01:47.240 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% but my mom said, "At least you gave an effort to it. 01:47.240 --> 01:50.143 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% "At least I enjoyed that you actually tried 01:50.143 --> 01:51.411 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% "to put an effort into it." 01:51.411 --> 01:53.413 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% That's why my mom's so involved in this program 01:53.413 --> 01:55.915 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% 'cause she said that this is a very helpful man 01:55.915 --> 01:58.651 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and he can really help me improve my life. 01:58.651 --> 02:03.556 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% >>Being a mentor is an instantaneous reward 02:04.991 --> 02:06.993 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% because you immediately are able to see the impact 02:06.993 --> 02:10.330 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% that you're having on today's youth. 02:10.330 --> 02:13.600 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And for me, it's very rewarding 02:13.600 --> 02:15.935 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% because I don't have children of my own 02:15.935 --> 02:18.104 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and so this is an opportunity 02:18.104 --> 02:21.241 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% to help grow and build someone up 02:21.241 --> 02:23.143 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and feel like you're really doing 02:23.143 --> 02:25.478 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% something positive for society. 02:26.346 --> 02:27.981 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% ♪ Here we go ♪ 02:27.981 --> 02:30.250 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% ♪ Let me tell you about something that we do at the school ♪ 02:30.250 --> 02:32.385 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% ♪ We talk about math and it's called M-cubed ♪ 02:32.385 --> 02:34.487 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% ♪ We all come together in order to learn ♪ 02:34.487 --> 02:36.656 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% ♪ From people like Wes and Miss Yimban ♪ 02:36.656 --> 02:38.658 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% ♪ It's about two weeks of education and fun ♪ 02:38.658 --> 02:41.094 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% ♪ And by the time it's all over we really have won ♪ 02:41.094 --> 02:43.129 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% ♪ Just see what black men just say to succeed ♪ 02:43.129 --> 02:45.398 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% ♪ Getting one step ahead is all we need ♪ 02:45.398 --> 02:47.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% ♪ So visit M-Cubed and what you see ♪ 02:47.500 --> 02:51.771 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% ♪ Is young men overcoming adversities ♪ 02:51.771 --> 02:53.973 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% >>We have three primary programs. 02:53.973 --> 02:56.142 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% We have what's called M-Cubed, 02:56.142 --> 02:58.378 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% which stands for Math Men and Mission, 02:58.378 --> 03:01.481 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and the goal is to increase the number who are in algebra 03:01.481 --> 03:03.516 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% by the time they complete middle school. 03:03.516 --> 03:05.084 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% The high school scholars program 03:05.084 --> 03:08.421 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% is about promoting the positives of African-American males 03:08.421 --> 03:12.725 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% by recognizing them for their scholarly achievements, 03:12.725 --> 03:13.826 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% inside the classroom. 03:13.826 --> 03:15.028 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And the work that they do 03:15.028 --> 03:17.263 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% in a positive way outside the classroom. 03:17.263 --> 03:19.566 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And the Collegiate 100 program, 03:19.566 --> 03:21.534 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% is about young men giving back, 03:21.534 --> 03:22.769 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% using the college students 03:22.769 --> 03:24.804 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to mentor the high school students 03:24.804 --> 03:26.506 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and the middle school age students. 03:26.506 --> 03:27.941 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% >>So how do you go about, 03:27.941 --> 03:29.442 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% let's talk about the students first. 03:29.442 --> 03:31.778 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% How do you go about identifying students 03:31.778 --> 03:33.880 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% to be a part of the programs? 03:33.880 --> 03:35.848 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% >>Well, with algebra readiness program, 03:35.848 --> 03:38.384 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% we look for someone with an aptitude for math. 03:38.384 --> 03:39.719 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% But we don't have to have the stars. 03:39.719 --> 03:41.221 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% We don't have to have the best. 03:41.221 --> 03:43.890 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% We're looking for students who are somewhere in the middle. 03:43.890 --> 03:45.592 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% So we look at their 03:45.592 --> 03:48.428 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% math standards of learning assessment scores. 03:48.428 --> 03:51.631 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% A perfect score is 600. 03:51.631 --> 03:54.167 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The lowest score, passing score, is 400. 03:54.167 --> 03:57.637 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% So we look for someone around 425 or higher. 03:57.637 --> 04:01.040 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And we also ask permission from the principal 04:01.040 --> 04:03.676 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to endorse that student for possible enrollment 04:03.676 --> 04:05.511 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% in an upper level math class, 04:05.511 --> 04:08.648 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% provided they complete our summer school two week academy. 04:08.648 --> 04:10.783 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% >>And then with the scholars program, is that the same? 04:10.783 --> 04:12.585 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% >>The scholars program is any student 04:12.585 --> 04:15.989 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% who has a 3.0 grade point average or higher, 04:15.989 --> 04:20.093 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% we pull them together for a breakfast recognition program 04:20.093 --> 04:21.694 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% in front of their superintendents, 04:21.694 --> 04:24.597 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% community representatives, their parents. 04:24.597 --> 04:26.799 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% We give them a real nice medallion 04:26.799 --> 04:29.202 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to say "Atta boy! Keep doing it." 04:29.202 --> 04:30.770 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Just promoting the positives. 04:30.770 --> 04:32.372 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% And so three years ago, 04:32.372 --> 04:36.843 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% we started presenting scholarships to any of our seniors, 04:36.843 --> 04:39.178 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% and as of three years, 04:39.178 --> 04:41.614 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% we have presented 78 graduating seniors 04:41.614 --> 04:44.017 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% with $82,500 in scholarships. 04:44.017 --> 04:45.018 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% So we hope to continue that. 04:45.018 --> 04:46.786 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% >>That is fantastic. 04:46.786 --> 04:48.821 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% So how many students are involved, 04:48.821 --> 04:50.790 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% are currently involved in the program? 04:50.790 --> 04:52.792 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% >>Well, we are specifically working 04:52.792 --> 04:54.827 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% with Central Virginia schools. 04:54.827 --> 04:58.531 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And we are supporting the area public schools. 04:58.531 --> 05:02.168 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And so, we're looking at nine school divisions 05:02.168 --> 05:04.837 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and of the 12 area high schools, 05:04.837 --> 05:08.374 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% there are approximately 1200 African-American males, 05:08.374 --> 05:11.110 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% only about 1200 African-American males 05:11.110 --> 05:14.180 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% in the 12 area high schools in our nine school divisions. 05:14.180 --> 05:15.548 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% And you're looking at, 05:15.548 --> 05:19.285 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% oh, a real small percentage who have that 3.0. 05:19.285 --> 05:21.220 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% When we first started this program, 05:21.220 --> 05:26.059 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% only about 14% of our African-American males 05:26.059 --> 05:27.760 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% in those surrounding school divisions 05:27.760 --> 05:29.595 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% who participated had a 3.0. 05:29.595 --> 05:33.700 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% We have bumped that up to over 24% at this point. 05:33.700 --> 05:34.867 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% >>So talk about that. 05:34.867 --> 05:37.403 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% Why is this so important in our community? 05:37.403 --> 05:39.706 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% >>Why is it so important? >>Sure. 05:39.706 --> 05:41.641 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% >>Well, I mean can bounce it back to you, 05:41.641 --> 05:43.109 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% because one of our objectives 05:43.109 --> 05:45.178 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% is improving the quality of life. 05:45.178 --> 05:47.847 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% If you have students who are not getting in trouble, 05:47.847 --> 05:49.248 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% you're improving the quality of life. 05:49.248 --> 05:51.050 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% If you have students who are going on to college 05:51.050 --> 05:52.418 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and returning to this community, 05:52.418 --> 05:54.153 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% you're improving the quality of life. 05:54.153 --> 05:55.488 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And if we're gonna be successful 05:55.488 --> 05:57.190 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% in terms of closing the achievement gap, 05:57.190 --> 05:59.992 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% not only do we have to change the attitude of our students, 05:59.992 --> 06:02.395 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% but their parents, as well, our teachers. 06:02.395 --> 06:03.930 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% >>You put your napkin on your lap 06:03.930 --> 06:06.699 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% the minute you sit at the table. 06:06.699 --> 06:11.704 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% It stays on your lap until you get up from the table. 06:12.839 --> 06:14.040 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% >>The etiquette program is something 06:14.040 --> 06:15.541 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that we've been doing for several years. 06:15.541 --> 06:18.478 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% It's always exciting to see the young men come in 06:18.478 --> 06:23.483 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and try to eat soup properly with the soup spoon, 06:24.350 --> 06:27.153 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% to learn how to use chopsticks 06:27.153 --> 06:29.422 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% and even though we may do it every year, 06:29.422 --> 06:32.225 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% every year they tend to learn something more 06:32.225 --> 06:33.860 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and they are always at place 06:33.860 --> 06:36.229 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% where they can teach others as well. 06:36.229 --> 06:38.197 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% It's just a great thing. 06:38.197 --> 06:40.767 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% >>So how do you identify your mentors? 06:40.767 --> 06:45.138 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% >>Having a successful mentor is the key to this program, 06:45.138 --> 06:48.641 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% because they have to touch base with the young men. 06:48.641 --> 06:50.543 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% They have to work with the school 06:50.543 --> 06:52.478 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and they have to work with the home. 06:52.478 --> 06:56.382 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And you have to have someone who is credible. 06:56.382 --> 06:59.118 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% In order to become a member, we have to vet you. 06:59.118 --> 07:00.453 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% We do a background check 07:00.453 --> 07:02.355 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% to make sure there's no history 07:02.355 --> 07:07.160 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% associated with not having any sort of poor decisions 07:07.160 --> 07:09.095 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% relative to working with young people. 07:09.095 --> 07:10.830 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% So that's first and foremost. 07:10.830 --> 07:13.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% But we expect the mentor to give a minimum 07:13.566 --> 07:17.203 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% of ten hours a week providing mentoring support 07:17.203 --> 07:18.604 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% to a young person. 07:18.604 --> 07:20.573 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% We have one-to-one mentoring support 07:20.573 --> 07:22.275 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% for our M-Cubed scholars. 07:22.275 --> 07:25.077 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And we do group mentoring for our high school scholars. 07:25.077 --> 07:26.512 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% >>So, there's a summer academy 07:26.512 --> 07:29.148 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% that takes place over two weeks, right? 07:29.148 --> 07:30.483 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% >>Yes. >>So you do this, 07:30.483 --> 07:31.317 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% and then what happens? 07:31.317 --> 07:32.685 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% What's the follow up? 07:32.685 --> 07:34.387 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% >>Well, you see, the summer academies 07:34.387 --> 07:36.656 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% are about preparing the young men 07:36.656 --> 07:39.859 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to build their sense of self-confidence 07:39.859 --> 07:43.129 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and their self-awareness of who they are 07:43.129 --> 07:45.998 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and a positive sense of I can be the best, 07:45.998 --> 07:47.633 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% I can be competitive. 07:47.633 --> 07:49.602 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% But you gotta reinforce that 07:49.602 --> 07:51.037 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% throughout the course of the year. 07:51.037 --> 07:54.974 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Thus, the mentoring component with the men in the 100, 07:54.974 --> 07:57.410 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% we do group mentoring activities throughout the year 07:57.410 --> 07:59.579 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and individual mentoring programs. 07:59.579 --> 08:01.981 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% We've taken the young men to football games, 08:01.981 --> 08:04.917 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% basketball games, we do annual etiquette workshops 08:04.917 --> 08:06.519 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% to teach them how to dine 08:06.519 --> 08:08.688 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and how to have wonderful conversations 08:08.688 --> 08:11.691 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% to make sure you pick that right person for you 08:11.691 --> 08:13.593 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% when you're taking a young lady out. 08:13.593 --> 08:15.828 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% It's one of those lessons in life experiences. 08:15.828 --> 08:19.098 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% As a mentor, we have to share experiences that we have 08:19.098 --> 08:20.633 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% with our young men, 08:20.633 --> 08:23.002 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% so that they will not make some of the same mistakes. 08:23.002 --> 08:25.671 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And you're walking in our footsteps 08:25.671 --> 08:28.107 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and if we can teach you something 08:28.107 --> 08:30.610 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% based on some of our experiences, so be it. 08:30.610 --> 08:33.412 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% >>Talk about the importance of the parents' role, 08:33.412 --> 08:35.848 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% when your students are involved in these programs, 08:35.848 --> 08:38.851 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% because that plays a huge part, doesn't it? 08:38.851 --> 08:42.755 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% >>Parental involvement is the key to success. 08:42.755 --> 08:43.923 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% That's all I need to say. 08:43.923 --> 08:46.526 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And we try to empower our parents 08:46.526 --> 08:50.129 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% by educating them of what quality looks like. 08:50.129 --> 08:52.632 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Quality instruction, what it looks like. 08:52.632 --> 08:54.967 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Quality instruction specifically designed 08:54.967 --> 08:56.435 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% to motivate your child, 08:56.435 --> 08:59.739 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% your African-American male son to enjoy learning. 08:59.739 --> 09:02.041 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% You take a book like this, and you tell them that, 09:02.041 --> 09:04.443 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% "Hey this is you, this is how you can change things, 09:04.443 --> 09:06.979 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% "because this is the way this guy did it right here." 09:06.979 --> 09:08.514 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% That's changing an attitude. 09:08.514 --> 09:11.918 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% You need parents to sit down with their children to say, 09:11.918 --> 09:14.954 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% "This is important. This is a priority for you." 09:14.954 --> 09:16.722 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% It should be first and foremost. 09:16.722 --> 09:19.625 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And so we work with our parents to change their attitudes 09:19.625 --> 09:22.495 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% about their roles in working with their sons. 09:22.495 --> 09:25.831 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% >>My dad was one of the members of 100 Black Men 09:25.831 --> 09:27.333 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% and he asked me to do the program 09:27.333 --> 09:29.802 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% and I think it's a great program to be involved in 09:29.802 --> 09:32.772 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% 'cause it helps you in school and it helps you get focused 09:32.772 --> 09:36.075 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and it helps you later in life, not just during high school 09:36.075 --> 09:39.245 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% but it prepares you for I guess later in life 09:39.245 --> 09:41.914 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% when you're trying to get a job and things like that. 09:41.914 --> 09:44.417 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% >>Just the satisfaction of seeing young men 09:44.417 --> 09:46.352 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% be successful and grow, that's, 09:46.352 --> 09:48.955 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% it is really a wonderful experience. 09:48.955 --> 09:52.858 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% So our goal is to take a student 09:52.858 --> 09:56.729 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% and get them involved in our work environment 09:56.729 --> 10:01.734 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% and to help them grow as a student and grow as a person 10:03.202 --> 10:04.337 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% to help them understand what the business world is like, 10:04.337 --> 10:06.505 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% so for me this was a no-brainer. 10:06.505 --> 10:08.574 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% This is a great opportunity to work 10:08.574 --> 10:12.445 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% with a great organization right here in Charlottesville. 10:12.445 --> 10:14.947 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% >>One of the ways that you all fund raise 10:14.947 --> 10:16.248 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% is through a gala. 10:16.248 --> 10:17.950 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Tell us about that. 10:17.950 --> 10:22.421 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% >>Well, this is an organization where our mentees, 10:22.421 --> 10:27.426 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and we're talking about over 100 in our M-Cubed program 10:28.628 --> 10:29.862 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% who are currently receiving services 10:29.862 --> 10:33.499 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and over 250 in our scholars program 10:33.499 --> 10:37.870 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% and over 40 in our Collegiate 100 chapter, that we serve. 10:37.870 --> 10:40.506 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% And our programs have not cost our mentees 10:40.506 --> 10:43.743 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% or their parents a penny, a penny. 10:43.743 --> 10:45.878 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So we're talking about getting scholarships out. 10:45.878 --> 10:48.214 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% We're talking about planning programs, 10:48.214 --> 10:50.016 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% where we're able to support them. 10:50.016 --> 10:53.719 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% So we, of course we have dues, we've got members. 10:53.719 --> 10:58.391 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And we also plan programs such as a black tie gala. 10:58.391 --> 11:00.559 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And that's our primary fund raiser. 11:00.559 --> 11:05.264 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And we get support from many of our local businesses. 11:05.264 --> 11:07.066 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% >>So what do you wanna do in the future? 11:07.066 --> 11:11.137 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Talking about moving forward, what's your big goal? 11:11.137 --> 11:13.739 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% >>So one of the challenges I see is, 11:13.739 --> 11:17.043 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% when we work with these young men, in collective groups, 11:17.043 --> 11:21.514 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% how do they transition into that regular setting 11:21.514 --> 11:22.715 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% on a day to day basis? 11:22.715 --> 11:24.417 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% For example, we have your young men 11:24.417 --> 11:26.485 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% who are in your summer academy for two weeks, 11:26.485 --> 11:29.088 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and then they transition back into their regular school. 11:29.088 --> 11:30.856 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And so that's a challenge. 11:30.856 --> 11:35.861 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So, a goal that I have is to try to educate our teachers, 11:36.896 --> 11:39.832 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% our administrators, our parents 11:39.832 --> 11:44.670 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% about how do you reach and teach the African-American male. 11:44.670 --> 11:48.607 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And so that's all about being culturally relevant 11:48.607 --> 11:50.609 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and understanding who they are 11:50.609 --> 11:53.212 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% and teaching to their strengths. 11:53.212 --> 11:56.348 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% Reach me, then you can teach me. 11:56.348 --> 11:58.284 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% >>I guess the best think I like about being a mentor 11:58.284 --> 12:01.120 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% is seeing the smiles on the kids' faces 12:01.120 --> 12:03.622 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% and I guess if they like the program, 12:03.622 --> 12:05.925 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% to see them, when they come to high school, 12:05.925 --> 12:08.427 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% see how good they're doing and how well they're doing. 12:08.427 --> 12:12.064 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% >>I think I'll try to help out just like they helped me out. 12:12.064 --> 12:14.600 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% 'Cause there could be somebody in my situation, 12:14.600 --> 12:17.169 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% just like they helped me out in my situation, 12:17.169 --> 12:19.138 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% I can help somebody else out. 12:19.138 --> 12:22.141 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (slow gentle music)