Expanding the Brotherhood: IYT Announces Verona Launch & AmFam Partnership
- Jan 30
- 4 min read
Growth & Partnership From Executive Director Korbey White
Expansion Launching in Verona Area School District
IYT Wisconsin is proud to launch its programming in the Verona Area School District beginning in February 2026! This partnership brings our College Access Program and mentorship services to Verona Area High School. With students of color making up a little over 30% of the student body, this is an important step toward addressing opportunity gaps that continue to exist despite recent academic improvements. Once programming is fully underway, Brothers can expect intentional support—daily mentoring, confidence-building workshops, and college tours—aimed at ensuring every Brother graduates prepared, confident, and college-ready.
Grant Announcement: Partnering with American Family Insurance
IYT Wisconsin is proud to partner with and receive generous support from American Family Insurance. Through this donation, American Family is investing directly in our College Academy and college tour experiences. Beyond funding, American Family has expressed a strong commitment to our mentoring strategy, encouraging Brothers to see the company not only as a supporter but also as a potential career pathway. This partnership represents a meaningful step in expanding opportunity and access for our Brothers.
Expanding Opportunities
Curious about how school-based mentorship can transform student outcomes? Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) is excited to connect with school districts across Wisconsin that are committed to expanding opportunities for students most in need. Following our announcement at the Wisconsin Association of School Boards Conference, Executive Director Korbey White will continue sharing IYT’s mission with districts statewide. We look forward to building meaningful partnerships that help students thrive—today and beyond high school.
Madison Metropolitan School District Updates
Life Skills: "Direction vs. Pressure"
Sometimes the biggest lesson isn’t about moving faster–it’s about moving with purpose. In our recent "Build the Path" workshop, Brothers learned that direction is internal and lasting, while pressure is external and temporary. Working in teams of four, Brothers were challenged to get from Point A to Point B with only five pieces of paper and one roll of tape. The constraints forced them to communicate and problem-solve. Students realized that success didn't come from putting pressure on individuals, but from shared direction as a team. The energy was so high that students demanded multiple rounds to prove they could succeed!
The End of Semester Push
At our Capital High School & La Follette sites, Brothers executed a powerful end-of-semester push. Mentors provided extra study hall sessions focused on preparation and accountability, breaking down exactly how revising missing work could alter their GPA. This intentional support helped Brothers shift their mindset, take ownership, and finish the semester stronger than they started.
Brother of the Month
Brother Knox
11th Grade
Knox continues to quietly impress through his focus, consistency, and strong academic drive. Although he may not be the most outspoken in class, he leads by example, participating in developmental workshops and maintaining A’s and B’s in his courses. Knox is currently exploring a future in journalism while also dreaming of a "Van Life" lifestyle centered on travel. We discussed how college could be the vehicle that makes that lifestyle possible! Most notably, Knox earned the "Outstanding Student Award," an honor given to only a select number of students from the district. He was celebrated at a Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast that highlighted each of the winners. Huge shoutout to Knox for representing IYT with excellence—we’re proud of you!
Leadership Update: Wisconsin Board of Advisors
We're thrilled to announce our new Board of Advisors for IYT Wisconsin! These dedicated individuals are deeply committed to moving the needle forward for young men of color.
Featured Advisor
Joe Gothard
Superintendent, MMSD
"IYT is more than a program; it is the essential pathway for guiding our young men from our classrooms to college, career, and the community. Their success is a measure of our collective commitment to a more equitable future."
Funder Acknowledgement: Champion Spotlight
At Improve Your Tomorrow, we are deeply grateful for the generous support of funders from across the nation who make our work possible. Your contributions fuel life-changing programs that empower young men of color to achieve their full potential in education, career, and community leadership. Together, we are building brighter futures and stronger communities. Thank you for believing in our mission!