IYT Mississippi Executive Briefing: February 2026

Honoring Legacy. Building Leaders. Shaping the Future.

Foreword - February 2026

February, as Black History Month, calls us to honor the past while actively shaping the future. At IYT Mississippi, we do this work every day by investing in the leadership, character, and potential of young men across our state.

Our mission is grounded in the belief that when boys are provided with structure, mentorship, and high expectations, they rise to meet them. As we reflect on how far we’ve come, we remain focused on where we are going—expanding opportunity, strengthening partnerships, and preparing young men to succeed. Together, we can ensure our young men are equipped not only to succeed—but to lead.

Service Spotlight: A Day On, Not a Day Off

IYTMS Staff: Kevin Skipper,Program Manager, Latina Williams, Program Director, Alyssia Turner, Mentor Caylan Nixon Mentor, and Dr. Kimbetrly Smith-Russ Executive Director.

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through action, the IYT Mississippi leadership team observed MLK Day as a true “Day On, Not a Day Off.” Led by Executive Director Dr. Kimberly Smith-Russ, the team volunteered with Shower Power, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. The team worked behind the scenes sorting clothing and organizing donated items to help restore dignity to those in need.

"Dr. King reminded us that everyone can serve. Choosing a Day On, Not a Day Off was our way of living out that belief—showing up for our community with humility, compassion, and action." — Dr. Kimberly Smith-Russ, Executive Director

For mentors, the day highlighted the impact of even the smallest acts. As Mentor Alyssa Turner reflected, "Sorting clothes and preparing supplies may seem small, but it becomes powerful when it helps restore dignity and hope to someone in need."

Jackson Public School Updates: Blackburn Middle School

Future Paths "Why We Do What We Do"

Hands-on career exploration: A student handles a chainsaw during a "Future Paths" event, discovering new opportunities beyond the playing field.

Powerful reflection was at the heart of our January assessment as young men were asked: Why sports? Many students admitted they prioritize athletics simply because "That’s what I’m good at." This highlights a reality in underserved communities where athletics are seen as the only visible path forward. IYT mentors worked to broaden that perspective, helping students apply the discipline they learn in sports—Focus, Habits, and Effort—to other areas of influence like Technology, Arts, and Business.

Culture Spotlight: More Than a Program

In a fast-paced world where many young men feel unseen, IYT Mississippi offers something meaningful: Brotherhood. One Brother shared, "Since joining IYT, I think differently about myself and my future." That shift in mindset reflects the intentional work happening every day. Growth at IYT is never just individual; it reaches families and strengthens communities.

STEM Education Innovation in Action: The STEM Science Fair

Students at the STEM Event Spotlight are focused on a hands-on engineering challenge, using aluminum foil to design and prototype their ideas.

At Blackburn Middle School, innovation took center stage during the Annual STEM Science Fair, and we are proud to report that several IYT Brothers stepped up to the challenge! STEM education in middle school is crucial for developing the critical thinking and problem-solving skills our young men need. By participating in this fair, Brothers engaged in hands-on activities and real-world applications, exploring diverse topics like engineering, robotics, prototyping, and computer science. This wasn't just a science project; it was a career preview. Building a solid foundation in STEM now will influence their academic success and open doors to future paths they may not have considered before.

Brother of the Month

Brother Jhaylon

6th Grader

The Consistent Scholar Jhaylon Peel starts each day with focus and determination. He embodies what it means to be an IYT scholar through his strong work ethic—completing assignments on time and with excellence. Every morning, Jhaylon arrives with a smile that sets the tone for the room. While he sometimes gets bored quickly (a sign of a sharp mind!), he continues to push forward. His creativity, humor, and respect for others make him a valued member of the Brotherhood.

Reimagine Prep Updates: The "Grind" & Growth

Workshop Spotlight: Identity Discovering the "Grind" Within

Reimagine Prep students identify "Music & Arts" as their personal grind during the identity workshop.

Where your grind shows up, your greatness grows. During this engaging reflection activity, Brothers explored their personal "grind," identifying areas where they already show discipline—like gaming, music, or sports. The breakthrough moment came when students realized they could transfer that same energy to their academics. Success in the classroom isn’t about starting from scratch; it’s about using the strengths they already have.

Achievement Spotlight: "Progress Pays Off Party"

Celebrating growth at Reimagine Prep: A student receives a reward during the "Progress Pays Off Party" for improved academic scores.

Growth deserves to be celebrated! Reimagine Prep hosted a "Progress Pays Off Party" to recognize students who showed measurable improvement on their 2nd benchmark assessment compared to last year’s MAAP scores. We proudly recognize Thomas Powell, Amir Harris, Jerrick Gowan, Dominick Hill, Cayden Bennett, and Trevion Stamps for their determination. As Brother Cayden Bennett shared: "I am really proud of myself."

Brother of the Month

Brother Jaden

6th Grade

The Turnaround Leader Jaden’s journey with IYT didn’t begin perfectly, but it began with determination. Early on, behavior challenges stood in his way, yet he would peek into the room daily asking, "Do we have Brotherhood today?" That eagerness turned into leadership. Jaden went from asking to participate to leading the IYT Creed. His growth has spilled into the classroom, where teachers note his increased confidence and impulse control. Jaden is a powerful reminder that leadership begins with a decision to do better.

Leadership Spotlight: Welcoming the Board of Advisors

A portrait of Mississippi Board of Advisors member, Dedria Wheaten.

A portrait of Mississippi Board of Advisors member, Dr. Jasmine Thorton.

Improve Your Tomorrow is proud to announce the formation of the Mississippi Board of Advisors (BOA), a dynamic group of 11 passionate leaders dedicated to guiding our mission and expanding our impact across the region.

The BOA is led by Chair Dedria Wheaten and Co-Chair Jasmine Thornton, whose leadership and vision have already set the tone for this exciting new chapter. Since their first meeting in October, the Board has been instrumental in driving strategy. Chair Wheaten notably served as a featured speaker at the recent Kick-Off event, inspiring students and families as we launched the program.

Strategic Focus: Looking ahead to early 2026, the BOA is spearheading a Parent Engagement Initiative designed to deepen connections between families and the resources IYT provides.

"Our Board of Advisors represents the best of what community leadership can achieve. Their wisdom and dedication will help us expand opportunities for young men of color and ensure that every Brother has the support to thrive." — Dr. Kimberly Smith-Russ

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