Korbey White is rewriting the narrative for young men of color in Wisconsin

Spotlight Article: Korbey White, Executive Director of IYT Wisconsin

When looking at educational statistics for Black and Brown young men in Wisconsin, the reality is stark.

The state faces critical equity gaps, including the nation's highest incarceration differential for Black males, and deep disparities in middle and high school reading and math proficiency.

Still, inside school hallways across the region, a quiet revolution is happening. Leading that charge is Korbey White, Executive Director of IYT Wisconsin.

"Wisconsin has some of the worst statistics in the country regarding Black and Brown males," he explains. "Knowing that I can potentially have an impact on the lives of these young Brothers who look like me, and in a lot of cases are growing up the same way I did, keeps me motivated to keep going!"

Moments That Define the Mission

For White and his team, success isn't just measured in systemic policy; it's captured in the individual lives transformed. At a recent end-of-year ceremony at Verona High School, students were invited to share how the program had shaped their journey.

One student, Christopher, stood up before the crowd. He shared that while he’s always believed in God, IYT gave him faith and hope. Before joining the program, college wasn't even on his radar. He turned to his mother in the audience, held up his acceptance paperwork, and said “Look Momma! I’m going to college.”

That story isn't an anomaly. At Capital High School, the school previously averaged one graduate per year who continued on to higher education. After just one school year with IYT, seven students graduated and enrolled in college, every single one of them an IYT Brother.

Deep Roots & Strategic Partnerships

IYT Wisconsin’s rapid momentum relies heavily on strong community coalitions and authentic mentorship.

Academic Access: Madison College is finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) guaranteeing admission for graduating IYT Brothers.
School & Transit Support: The Madison Metropolitan School District covers transportation for college tours, while Verona Area School District is expanding the program into middle schools.
Cultural Enrichment: American Players Theater covers admission and transportation so students can attend plays depicting their own community stories.
Statewide Endorsement: Supported directly by Governor Tony Evers, IYT received funding from the Wisconsin Department of Administration and has drawn interest from leaders as far as Des Moines, Iowa.

A Culture Built on Authenticity

What makes the IYT Wisconsin team able to work so well together? Korbey White attributes it to being "passionately authentic."

"We all see ourselves in our Brothers and tell them our trials and tribulations from when we were their age," he shared. "That vulnerability leads them to trust us. The outcomes we have in such a short amount of time are the reason we show up every day ready to go."

With plans to expand into Milwaukee Public Schools and step into middle schools this spring, IYT Wisconsin is proving that when young men of color are given brotherhood, expectations, and consistent support, impossible statistics become powerful success stories.

How You Can Get Involved

See the Magic in Person: Attend a workshop or student showcase to observe IYT programming firsthand.
Become a Mentor: If you are "passionately authentic" and ready to show up for young men of color, reach out to join the team.
Spread the Word: Connect IYT with local school administrators and educators to help bring the program to new districts.

Interested in partnering with IYT Wisconsin to create true change? Hit the link below to get in touch!

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