Success without Ceilings.

We’re building a future where every young man of color thrives

At Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT), we believe that a young man’s zip code or skin color should never determine his destiny. We are a nonprofit committed to transforming the lives of young men of color by closing the opportunity gap and redefining what’s possible.

Our Mission

Since our inception in 2013, our mission has remained the same: to get more young men of color to, and through, college.

Our Vision

We’re creating a future in which young men of color are overrepresented in higher education, underrepresented in the criminal justice system, and leaders in their communities.

IYT Values

Group of people outdoors, hugging, with a Delta bus and parked cars in the background.

BROTHERHOOD

We go further when we go together.

A group of young men participating in a protest or demonstration, with one man in the foreground raising his fist in a gesture of solidarity, and a large screen in the background with text about the IYT brotherhood and creed.

We take ownership of our futures and our communities.

ACCOUNTABILITY

A group of young people walking outdoors in casual clothing, some wearing backpacks, smiling and talking. There are trees and a brick building in the background, suggesting a college campus or park setting.

We turn obstacles into stepping stones.

RESILIENCE

A group of young people hugging, with smiling faces, in a close and happy moment.

We strive for the highest standards in education, character, and service.

EXCELLENCE

Our Journey

From 17 Students to a National Movement

The story of IYT is one of radical belief and relentless momentum. What began as a local effort to close the opportunity gap has evolved into a nationwide network of support, proving that with the right mentorship and access, the potential of young men of color is limitless.

Two young men smiling, wearing black jackets. The man on the right has his arm around the other. The background contains colorful geometric shapes.

2013

IYT was founded in Sacramento, California by Michael Lynch and Michael Casper.

We opened our doors at Valley High School with a small but determined cohort of 17 young men of color, fueled by the belief that every student deserves a clear path to higher education.

2014-2016

The results were immediate and undeniable. After our first high school graduating class achieved a 94% college enrollment rate, we followed up in 2016 with a perfect 100% high school graduation and college enrollment rate. This success allowed us to expand into new districts and hire our first full-time staff.

2017-2019

We launched collegiate programming at Sacramento State University and Cosumnes River College, and celebrated our first group of IYT college graduates.

In 2019 we partnered with AmeriCorps to widen our impact, and expanded our footprint into California’s Central Valley.

2020

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, our mission shifted to meet the urgent needs of our community. IYT launched critical food and care initiatives, ensuring our members remained supported, fed, and connected during a global crisis.

2021-2022

Demand for IYT programming continues to rise, and we expand to the Bay Area. With the addition of this new region, we now serve over 3,000 members and see more than 550 continue on to college.

2023

By 2023, the data spoke for itself: 78% of our members who graduate high school continue on to college. Additionally, Black students enrolled in IYT programming were 96% more likely to meet college eligibility requirements than their peers across the state of California.

2024-2025

IYT went coastal, expanding to Maryland and Minnesota. Within a year, we grew our operations to Wisconsin, Mississippi, and Nevada, serving 6,000 members across 100+ schools. In 2025 our work was recognized on the state stage when Governor Newsom selected IYT as a featured partner for the California Men’s Service Challenge.

2026

We broke ground on the College Success Center in Sacramento. This flagship facility is designed to be a hub for the next generation, providing a space for 2,000 members annually to access mentorship, professional workshops, and career defining training, and more.

An IYT Brother compares hand sizes with an NBA player from the Sacramento Kings.
A group of diverse young people sitting in a classroom, smiling and engaged in conversation, with some wearing blue shirts and one person in a black sweater.
A smiling young man holds a handwritten note and a purple heart drawing, standing in front of a colorful spinning wheel and ceiling lights.
A young man in a graduation cap and gown smiling and talking with an older man in a black shirt and glasses during a graduation ceremony.
Four kids sitting on steps outdoors, smiling, wearing matching gray t-shirts that say 'The Power of...' with a logo, in front of a building with bicycles parked nearby.
Group of students in a classroom, some standing and talking, with a large screen displaying a presentation in the background.

We provide mentorship, college advising, and career preparation to help young men graduate, lead, and thrive.

IYT Pillars of Success

  • Leadership Development

    We believe every IYT Brother has the potential to lead.

    Our programming focuses on cultivating essential soft skills, including self-advocacy, emotional intelligence, and effective communication. IYT Brothers develop a strong sense of purpose, and the confidence to take charge of their education and future.

  • Near Peer Mentorship

    We believe near-peer mentorship is integral to our success. Our mentors act as role models, offering real-time advice on navigating academic pressures, campus life, and personal challenges. This dynamic connection fosters trust, accountability, and the belief that success is attainable.

  • College Access

    For many, seeing college as an attainable goal is the first step. We provide college campus tours, and through our partnerships members are eligible for guaranteed admissions at select schools. We help each member create a post-secondary plan aligned with their aspirations, removing systemic barriers and ensuring they enroll in institutions that are the best academic, financial, and cultural fit.

  • Career Preparation

    Our commitment extends beyond college enrollment. The IYT Career Preparation pillar connects young men of color with valuable internships, job shadowing opportunities, and professional development workshops. We build crucial networking skills, expose students to diverse career paths, and help them translate their academic achievements into a meaningful and successful career, ensuring they not only get a seat at the table but are prepared to lead from it.

Our Impact

The impact of IYT programming is undeniable. Click the link below to check out our recent data, impact report, testimonials, and more!

Learn more