IYT Hanshaw Middle School Impact Update: November 2025

November in Review: Learning & Bonding

This month at Hanshaw Middle School was defined by a mix of future planning and present-day connection. Our Brothers balanced the serious work of academic goal-setting and leadership reflection with the joy of exploring a university campus and bonding over bowling. It was a month where we strengthened our minds in the classroom and our relationships in the community.

College Access: Sonoma State University

Majors, Mentorship, & Memories

Brothers pose for a group photo at Sonoma State.

IYT Brothers and mentors visited Sonoma State University, where they captured the moment with a group photo in front of campus landmarks and attended a panel to learn about the university's diverse major offerings.

After the educational portion of the tour, the group shifted gears to celebrate their hard work. Brothers enjoyed a fun outing at a nearby bowling alley and arcade, connecting with peers from other school sites. The visit offered the perfect mix of learning, bonding, and memorable experiences for everyone involved!

Setting the Target

Mentorship in Action

A mentor talks with one of the brothers regarding his grades.

Academic success isn't just about the final grade; it's about the plan you make to get there. This month, mentors sat down one-on-one with Brothers to review their grades for the semester.

These sessions focused on setting specific target grades—goals that keep students motivated while providing a clear benchmark to aim for. With mentors providing guidance and support strategies, our Brothers are learning that improvement is a process that happens one assignment at a time.

Community Leadership

Defining the Leader Within

The brothers’ responses from the workshops are displayed as a reminder of the leadership qualities and goals they want to develop.

The closing workshop for November’s curriculum focused on leadership within the community.

Brothers reflected on the type of leaders they aspire to be by writing down their specific goals and desired qualities. This activity encouraged self-awareness and a deeper understanding of how each Brother can make a positive impact right now—not just in the future.

Brother of the Month

Brother Sebastian

7th Grade

Brother Sebastian is making a big impact in IYT this year! Although he is one of our newer students, he has hit the ground running.

He consistently shows up, supports his peers, and isn't afraid to hold other Brothers accountable to the program's standards. Academically, he is excelling with steady As and Bs, and he even uses his time during study hall to help other Brothers with their homework. We are proud to have such a dedicated leader on our team!

Leadership Update: Central Valley Board of Advisors

We're thrilled to announce our new Board of Advisors for IYT Central Valley! These dedicated individuals are deeply committed to moving the needle forward for young men of color.

Featured Advisor

Diane Ornelas

Social Services Case Manager, SUSD

"As a parent of a current IYT member, I have seen first-hand the impact the program makes on our youth."

Learn More

Program Directory & Schedules

Program Manager: Joanna Cruz-Mercado

Email: joanna@improveyourtomorrow.org

Hanshaw Middle School

Programming Schedule & Study Hall: Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays

Mentor & ParentEngagement

• Parent Engagement Sessions: 48

• Mentor Sessions: 60