FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2026
Media contact:
Kevin Skipper, Associate Program Director, IYT Mississippi
IYT Mississippi Program Showcase Marks One Year in Jackson
It’s been a year since Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) started working with young men at Blackburn Middle School, and on Friday, October 30, Jackson gets to see what that looks like. Rep. Zakiya Summers will open the program, and the City of Jackson will declare the day Improve Your Tomorrow Day. Guests will hear from students, teachers, and community leaders. Media are invited to record and photograph.
WHEN
Friday, October 30, 2026
9:45 AM: Media check-in opens
10:00 to 11:00 AM: Program, with Voices from Blackburn at 10:15 AM
11:00 to 11:30 AM: Reception
WHERE
Blackburn Middle School library
1311 W Pearl Street, Jackson, MS 39203
ATTENDEES
Rep. Zakiya Summers, Mississippi House, District 68
Mayor John Horhn or a City of Jackson representative
Mike Casper, Co-Founder and COO, IYT, on the goal of getting 600 young men of color in Mississippi on the path to and through college by 2031
Voices from Blackburn: a student, a parent, and a coach on what IYT has meant to them
PHOTO & VIDEO: Rep. Summers’ remarks, the Voices from Blackburn panel, the City of Jackson’s proclamation, and a group photo with the Brothers.
MEDIA INSTRUCTIONS
Check in at the main office at 9:45 AM. Everyone goes through a security scanner, so leave yourself some extra time. Let Kevin know by Wednesday, October 28 so we can get you cleared with Jackson Public Schools. If you want to talk with a student or parent, tell him ahead of time and we’ll set it up.
About IYT
Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) is a national nonprofit, founded in 2013, with one mission: increase the number of young men of color who attend and graduate from college. A full-time IYT mentor specialist works with students from a dedicated classroom on campus. IYT recruits students who aren’t on track for college, and about half start with a GPA below 2.0. Nationwide, 100% of its Class of 2025 seniors graduated, and 86% are pursuing college or a career pathway.
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