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IYT Golden Valley High School Impact Update: February 2026

  • 8 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Month in Review: Mentorship & Community Connection

February at Golden Valley High School was all about extending our reach and building community. From guiding the next generation of high schoolers to honoring our local senior citizens, our young men are proving that true leadership is rooted in service, character, and teamwork.

Guiding the Next Generation: Bridge the Gap Event

Golden Valley mentors and Weaver Middle School students unite under college pennants.
Golden Valley mentors and Weaver Middle School students unite under college pennants.

Our IYT Brothers demonstrated incredible leadership and mentorship during the Bridge the Gap Event held on February 13 at the Golden Valley campus. In collaboration with Weaver Middle School IYT, we welcomed 20 middle school students for a meaningful day of connection and learning.

Our high school students served as mentors, guiding the middle schoolers and facilitating conversations about campus life. They shared information about clubs and sports, reviewed grades, and led an important discussion about A–G requirements and staying academically prepared for college pathways. Experiences like this help build confidence and ease the transition into high school by creating familiarity and connection. We’re incredibly proud of our students for representing our program with maturity and confidence!

Giving Back: Operation Valentine

Heartfelt, handmade Valentine’s notes IYT Brothers created for local senior citizens.
Heartfelt, handmade Valentine’s notes IYT Brothers created for local senior citizens.

For February, our IYT Brothers in Merced participated in Operation Valentine, partnering with Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria and her team to honor and show appreciation for our local senior citizens.

During a special workshop, the Brothers wrote heartfelt notes to seniors, expressing gratitude and care. The notes were then distributed by Assemblywoman Soria’s team the day before Valentine’s Day, spreading joy and connection throughout the broader Merced community.

Jr. Mentors Accepted into Fellowship

Celebrating Jr. Mentors, Brother Jokel and Brother Jordan
Celebrating Jr. Mentors, Brother Jokel and Brother Jordan

Leadership is rising within our Brotherhood as several outstanding students step into new roles of responsibility! This month, we carefully selected students who embody our core values of Liberation, Service, Character, and Teamwork to join the Jr. Mentor Service Fellowship, a select leadership opportunity for students ready to make a greater impact.

As Jr. Mentors, they help lead activities, support peers, and organize small service projects that give back to their school community. Congratulations to Jokel Davis, Jordan Chavez, Ronald Winzer, and Anthony Lua for earning this opportunity through their dedication and leadership!

Brother of the Month

Brother Nathaniel.

Brother Nathaniel

Nathaniel recently stepped up as a Junior Mentor during our Bridge the Gap event, providing guidance and support that his mentee truly appreciated. A dedicated member of IYT since the 9th grade, Nathaniel has grown tremendously both academically and socially, maintaining a solid 3.4 GPA while becoming more confident and engaged. We are incredibly proud of Nathaniel’s progress and can’t wait to see the amazing things he will accomplish next!

Upcoming Events

Name

Date & Time

Description/Sign-up Link

SAINT MARY’S COLLEGE TOUR

4/2026

Permission slips will be distributed in March

IYT GRADUATION CELEBRATION

5/2026

IYT will celebrate our senior graduates at a special banquet in their honor. Join us for an evening filled with food, recognition, and memorable moments as we celebrate their achievements and bright futures!

Program Directory & Schedules

Program Manager: Melanie Friz

Phone: 209-600-3486

Golden Valley High School

Programming Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays (3:30 - 5:00pm) Room 305 Study Hall: Tuesdays & Thursdays

Mentor & Parent Engagement (last month)

Number of Parent Engagement Sessions:

157

Number of Mentor Sessions:

157


HEAD OFFICE: 1901 Royal Oaks Dr, Sacramento, CA 95815

STOCKTON OFFICE: 6731 Herndon Place Stockton, CA 95219

501(c)(3) Registered Charity: 46-2981774

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NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
While Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) is dedicated to empowering boys and young men of color, our programs are open to and serve youth of all races and backgrounds. In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, IYT does not exclude, deny benefits to, or discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin

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