Ensuring Equitable Outcomes For Boys and Young Men of Color
The BYMOC Strategy ensures equitable outcomes for boys and young men of color ages 11-17 by removing systemic barriers, providing relevant services and support systems and creating nurturing environments that promote confidence and growth
Why We Focus on Boys and Young Men of Color
- They are twice as likely to grow up in poverty
- They are more likely to live in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty
- They are more likely to fall into poverty as adults, regardless of background
BYOC Implementation
The BYMOC Strategy is designed for flexible implementation through policies, practices, and programs that can be defined by the needs of each community and Y, including the following areas.
Education
- Impact their attitudes toward education
- Empower them to believe in their capabilities
- Prepare them with the skills to achieve academic success
College & Career Readiness
- Create pipelines to connect them with post-secondary education and meaningful jobs
- Provide work-based learning experiences, financial education, skills development, career and college planning and resource navigation opportunities
Character Development
- Create experiences and environments that strengthen social-emotional competencies
- Support character development across the Y’s core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility
Belonging & Community Building
- Help them build healthy relationships with peers and adults
- Foster their positive cultural- and self-identity
- Support opportunities for community connections and civic engagement
Health & Well-Being
- Help them develop healthy physical and eating habits
- Teach them about lifestyle changes that can prevent chronic conditions in adulthood such as diabetes and heart disease
- Combat their experiences with food insecurity
Boys and Young Men of Color Strategy Goals
By 2024, the BYMOC Strategy seeks to achieve the following outcomes for 10,000 boys and young men of color across 100 cities across the U.S.:
- 70% of participants will access high-quality, nurturing and more culturally responsive neighborhood environments
- 75% of participants will have stabilized and improved grades by reducing suspensions and improving school attendance
- 100% of participants will have completed pre- and post-assessment for social-emotional learning
- 75% of participants will access high quality post-secondary and career-ready pathways
Strengthening Communities & Individuals
The YMCA welcomes people of diverse backgrounds, ages and abilities to participate in everything we have to offer. Communities are stronger when everyone feels valued.
Supporting Young People
Supporting and inspiring young people to live up to their full potential is a priority of the YMCA. With a focus on meeting social, emotional and academic needs, we offer a wealth of engaging programs for young people.
Supporting Diverse Communities
We bring diverse people together to tackle social issues, creating more cohesive communities and a better-connected society.
Programs for Older Adults
We know that health and well-being are important at every age and life stage, so we provide opportunities for older adults to stay connected and improve their physical and mental health.
Your YMCA in the News
Boys and Young Men of Color Strategy Leap & Learn Program was highlighted by Mayor Figueiredo and Channel 34!