IYT's National Newsletter
- Kevin Akins
- 1d
- 4 min read
Updated: 4h
Measuring Impact, Expanding Partnerships, and Building Momentum
In the News: Gov. Newsom Visits IYT For Launch of New California Men's Service Challenge
"Too many young men and boys are suffering in silence — disconnected from community, opportunity and even their own families. This action is about turning that around. It’s about showing every young man that he matters, he has purpose, and he has a community." Governor Gavin Newsom
IYT is proud to be a featured partner in Governor Newsom's bold initiative to recruit 10,000 young men as mentors, coaches, and leaders across California. Learn more about this initiative and read some of the recent coverage in the LA Times, SF Chronicle, and Sac Bee over on our campaign page.
Attorney General Rob Bonta Hosts Service Event with IYT
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday recently selected IYT’s Natomas High School site for a statewide press conference on the power of service.
On December 2nd, the leaders joined IYT Brothers and Principal Marcel Baker at Joey’s Food Locker, demonstrating how civic engagement is intentionally woven into our mentorship model. The visit reinforced the critical support from state leadership for programs like IYT that put values into action and build safer, stronger communities.
IYT Partners with Madison Metro School District To Pursue Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers New Grant Opportunity
We are proud to announce a major partnership milestone in our newest region. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and the Office of Violence Prevention have launched a historic $10 million grant program aimed at reducing crime and violence to keep kids, families, and communities safe. This investment aligns directly with IYT’s mission in Madison and Milwaukee, providing the resources needed to scale our violence interruption and mentorship work.
We are excited to share that we have established a new partnership with the Madison Metropolitan School District to pursue this grant opportunity. We are now inviting additional school districts to collaborate with IYT Wisconsin and be part of this impactful work.
Mississippi Kick Off Event
Our Mississippi region hosted a kick off event at Reimagine Prep Charter School in Jackson, welcoming 35 guests including school leaders, Board of Advisors members, students, parents, community members, and local media, with coverage from 99.1 FM.
The event marked IYT–Mississippi’s official introduction to the local community and successfully built awareness and early partnerships to support boys and young men of color.
A powerful highlight came from Brother Timmothy, who led the IYT Creed, followed by heartfelt remarks from Timmothy and his mother, Moneisha Shipp, underscoring the impact of mentorship and family engagement. The strong presence of school leadership, community partners, and media affirmed momentum for continued student enrollment and upcoming parent engagement meetings in early 2026.
Nevada Program Showcase
This month, we hosted our first-ever IYT Nevada Regional Showcase at Eldorado High School. The event brought together students, mentors, school partners, and community leaders to celebrate student voice, reflect on the fall semester, and share how mentorship and belonging are shaping our young men’s experiences. We are thankful to Eldorado HS for hosting and to everyone who joined us in marking this important milestone for IYT Nevada.
The ROI of Mentorship: IYT's Economic Impact Serving Young Men of Color
What happens when mentorship works at scale?
Improve Your Tomorrow’s model delivers a 99% high school graduation rate for young men of color—and generates over $1 billion in projected lifetime economic impact. Read how long-term mentorship translates into measurable returns for communities and the public sector.
Podcast Features
Struggle to Scholar: How Improve Your Tomorrow Builds Academic Success
In a powerful episode of the Non-Profit podcast, IYT CEO Michael Lynch and IYT alumnus Alejandro Galicia Cervantes share their personal journeys, offering an intimate look at the "why" behind the work we do.
Education Beat Episode: A Mentorship Program Fights for Survival
EdSource reporter Lasherica Thornton profiles Improve Your Tomorrow’s impact in the Stockton Unified School District—and the looming threat of federal budget cuts.
In this episode of Education Beat, IYT Program Manager Nicole Davidson discusses how our program transforms struggling students into leaders across Stockton.
IYT Launches National Board of Advisors
We're thrilled to announce our new IYT National Board of Advisors! These dedicated individuals are deeply committed to moving the needle forward for young men of color.
Featured Advisor
Alfredo Medina
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips
"Talent is equally distributed -- opportunity is not. IYT is changing that reality for young men of color, and I'm proud to stand with an organization that is opening doors, building leaders, and rewriting what is possible."