The Power of Purpose: Inside Jesús Andrade’s Vision for IYT Central Valley
For Jesús Andrade, Executive Director of IYT Central Valley, the mission to uplift young men of color is deeply personal.
Guided by a public servant’s heart and a firsthand understanding of how mentorship can open doors, Andrade is leading the charge for his region, and guiding students towards higher education and lifelong success.
Grounded in Personal Purpose
Andrade’s journey to leadership at Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) was sparked by his own experience in education. “Mentorship is what helped me get into college, and it’s what helped me graduate,” he shared. “Working at IYT made complete sense for me. I can continue being a public servant while working to move a mission forward that’s personal for me.”
Navigating the Central Valley’s Unique Landscape
The Central Valley is defined by incredible agricultural wealth; a region whose rich soil feeds the nation. However, that agricultural abundance exists alongside persistent socioeconomic hurdles. “The opportunity to get ahead for young men here is still lacking,” explained Andrade. “Overcoming these systemic barriers requires consistent, deliberate support to ensure young men of color are equipped to thrive.”
Transformative Impact and Tangible Results
The impact of IYT’s work is best reflected in the individual transformations and achievements of its students:
Academic Turnarounds: Andrade recalls one student who transformed a 0.7 GPA into a 3.2 GPA, earning himself admission to Fresno State University.
Higher Education Access: Nearly 87% of the region’s IYT graduating high school seniors enrolled directly in college last year.
These outcomes stem from a highly collaborative, team-oriented culture focused singularly on the organization’s mission. “We’re working to truly make a difference in the lives of these young men,” said Andrade.
Looking to the Future
When looking to the next three to five years, Andrade’s goal is to sustain IYT’s rapid growth in the Central Valley, and expand its presence into more high schools across the region. Achieving this vision requires ongoing collaboration with local school districts, universities, and corporate partners, as well as the active involvement of the larger community.
Whether as a prospective donor, partner, mentor, or parent, everyone has a role to play. “IYT Brothers need positive role models around them as much as possible,” he explained. “They deserve to know that a whole community is behind them, cheering them across the finish line.”
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