Impact Update: Aptos Middle School
This month at Aptos Middle School, we focused on connecting our past to our future.
Our Brothers connected with the roots of the organization by meeting one of our founders, learning that their current journey is part of a larger legacy. Simultaneously, they looked forward, using SMART goals to map out exactly how they will achieve their personal and academic dreams.
Inspiration From IYT Founder, Michael Casper
This past month, the Brothers at Aptos Middle School had the unforgettable opportunity to have lunch with one of IYT’s founders, Michael Casper.
Brothers gained firsthand inspiration from his journey growing up as a young man of color and becoming the first in his family to attend college. The students resonated deeply with his story, connecting their own experiences to the bigger picture of IYT. It was a powerful reminder that they are not alone; they are part of a massive, powerful community of college-bound Brothers striving for success.
Cultivating Purpose: The Art of SMART Goals
This month, our curriculum focused on Goal Setting, helping Brothers cultivate a sense of purpose in everything they do. We explored the difference between a vague wish and a SMART goal (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely).
The goals shared by our Brothers were truly impressive and diverse:
Community Service: Donating a minimum number of items to the school’s food bank.
Academics: Increasing grades by specific percentages by the end of the grading period.
Personal Growth: Reaching a chess rating of 2,000 by the end of 2025.
This workshop encouraged reflection, intentionality, and a plan of action—skills that will support them both in and out of the classroom.
Interested in learning more about IYT Bay Area, and how you can get involved? Visit the link below!