Finishing high school and starting college or a career is an important milestone, but for young men of color, it can be a challenging journey.
Launched in 2022, Young Men United (YMU) is an innovative equity and education initiative designed to support young men of color with their educational and vocational dreams – complete high school, pursue post-secondary education, and embark on fulfilling careers while closing ongoing education and earning gaps.
Young Men United was strategically designed over the past several years with input from an Advisory Council made up of a broad range of voices including the Mayor’s Office, Baltimore City Public Schools staff, local service providers, HBCU’s, and young men of color in various phases of their educational/vocational journey.
Through exposure to different industries and careers, and employing a strong mentorship component, this program will guide students from high school to college or job training and into a full-time career aligned with their dreams and goals, creating a pipeline of leaders that will strengthen and diversify our workforce.
The program provides much-needed, long-term, holistic support and resources to both students and their families to break down barriers to opportunity, access, and earning power.
United Way knows that investing in equity means greater prosperity for all of us.
