IYT Grant Union High School Impact Update: February 2026
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
Month in Review: Leadership & Resilience
February at Grant Union High School was defined by stepping up and digging deep. From taking on new Junior Mentor roles to completing a profound two-month workshop series on emotional wellness and persistence, our young men are building the critical foundations necessary for long-term success.
Stepping Up to Lead: Junior Mentor Leadership Roles
This month, several outstanding students stepped up to take on the prestigious Junior Mentor Leadership Role at Grant Union!
In this role, these young men serve as leaders on campus and within the IYT Brotherhood. They model positive behavior, challenge themselves to grow, and actively support our younger Brothers in the program. By demonstrating accountability, responsibility, and integrity, they are helping to build a positive culture that represents the very best values of mentorship, respect, and Brotherhood.
Mindset, Skills, and Brotherhood: The January & February Workshop Series
Over the past two months, our Brothers participated in a comprehensive, 12-part workshop series designed to strengthen the mindset and skills needed for long-term college and career success.
Month | Workshop Theme | Key Takeaways & Activities |
January | Building Habits, Direction & Persistence | Brothers learned to translate their existing strengths (like discipline in sports or gaming) into academic success. They explored the difference between motivation and consistency, broke large goals into manageable steps, and reframed college as a powerful tool to expand their career pathways. |
February | Purpose & Power: Resilience & Support | Students shifted focus to emotional wellness. They participated in trust-building exercises, discussed the emotional "masks" people wear under pressure, redefined traditional strength to include emotional awareness, and identified the support systems that help sustain them through adversity. |
Overall Reflection
Together, these workshops reinforced a powerful message: success is built through consistent habits, perseverance, and a strong community. By developing both personal growth and deeper connections with one another, our Brothers continue building a foundation that prepares them to succeed in school, college, and life.
Brother of the Month
Brother Jahir
9th Grade
At IYT, we take pride in recognizing Brothers who consistently show dedication, leadership, and a strong commitment to Brotherhood—and this month, 9th-grader Brother Jahir truly stands out!
Brother Jahir has been one of the core Brothers in our space this year, consistently showing up each day, ready to work, participate, and contribute to the Brotherhood. His energy brings life into the room, and he is always eager to engage during our sessions.
Brother Jahir also helps set the tone for the group by promoting a positive and respectful environment. He is not afraid to hold his fellow Brothers accountable—whether it’s reminding them to stay focused or calling out negative language. In his own way, Brother Jahir has stepped into a leadership role by modeling responsibility, positivity, and commitment. We are incredibly proud to recognize the impact he continues to make!
Upcoming Events
Name | Date & Time | Description |
CSU Sacramento Visit | 3/21/2026 7:00 a.m. | IYT brothers will tour CSUS and begin envisioning what life as a college student could look like in the near future. |
Program Directory & Schedules
Program Manager: Jorge Valenzuela-Torres
Phone: 916-954-1338
Grant Union High School
Programming Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays Study Hall: Monday - Friday
Mentor & Parent Engagement
January | February | |
Number of Parent Engagement Sessions: | 157 | 145 |
Number of Mentor Sessions: | 157 | 145 |