The Males Place

The Mentorship Program

Mentorship at The Males Place

“If the young are not initiated into the village, they will burn it down just to feel its warmth.” ~African Proverb

Since 1993, The Males Place has been helping young men grow and succeed. We’ve mentored over 3,000 boys and built a strong, supportive community. By teaching life skills, sharing cultural lessons, and providing guidance, we’ve changed thousands of lives for the better. Want to know more? Click the video to learn more about The Mentorship Program!

The Males Place mentors African American teen boys, ages 12-18, as they transition into manhood. Using three pillars, mentorship, agriculture, and social justice the program fosters values, knowledge, and life skills necessary for leadership and community preservation.

Mentorship Program Overview

The Male’s Place Mentorship Program is designed to help African American boys aged 12-18 grow into strong, confident leaders. Through guidance, support, and hands-on learning, boys gain the life skills they need for success in school, work, and life.

Guided Journey to Manhood

  • Boys, called Warriors, participate in rituals and structured activities that create stability and routine.

  • Warriors are placed into one of the groups named after four historical African kingdoms—Ashanti, Nubian, Dogon, or Zulu—to foster community and connect them to African history and heritage.

  • Warriors confront the history of slavery and celebrate the proud traditions and accomplishments of African Americans, gaining a deeper knowledge of self.

  • Regular meetings include vocabulary building, linking language to life concepts for personal growth.

Agriculture and Life Skills

  • Warriors plant, care for, and harvest crops in a community garden on Beatties Ford Road.

  • The program emphasizes self-sufficiency, teamwork, and problem-solving in natural environments.

  • Fresh produce is shared with families, seniors, and others in need, fostering community care and responsibility.

Social Justice and Enrichment

  • Warriors discuss social justice issues, promoting awareness and advocacy.

  • Educational trips to places like Belize, Charleston, Washington, D.C., Selma, Ghana, Montgomery, and Cuba provide a global perspective on Black history and culture.

Building Future Leaders

The Male’s Place creates a safe, supportive environment where young men can grow into confident, thoughtful, and capable leaders. By combining mentorship, cultural learning, and practical skills, we empower our Warriors to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

Through our holistic approach, boys gain the tools they need to succeed academically, socially, and personally, while developing a strong sense of identity and purpose. The program’s focus on self-awareness, resilience, and leadership prepares them to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Program Benefits

Empowering Strong, Culturally Aware Black Boys to Become Independent, Responsible Leaders

Shaping Young Men Into Leaders Who Thrive in Every Aspect of Life Through:  

  • Brotherhood & Belonging: Fostering Strong Connections Among Participants
  • Holistic Growth: Promoting Development Through Mentoring, Agriculture, and Social Justice
  • Cultural & Nutritional Empowerment: Enhancing Knowledge of Heritage and Self-Sufficiency
  • Leadership & Responsibility: Equipping Young Men to Lead, Protect, and Provide for Their Families and Communities

Holistic Life Skills Training

Youth develop leadership abilities through:
    • Mentorship: Guidance from experienced guest speakers, Mshauri (Advisors), and partnering with parents in the home.  
    • Skill Building: Hands-on activities that foster critical thinking and problem-solving.
    • Community Involvement: Engaging in projects that encourage responsibility and service.
    • Self-Reflection: Opportunities to strengthen emotional intelligence and resilience.
    • Goal Setting: Learning to set and achieve personal and academic goals.
    • Agricultural Responsibility: Taking on hands-on agricultural responsibilities.
    • Social Justice & Advocacy: Learning about social justice and advocacy.
    • Cultural Enrichment Journeys: Participating in domestic and international cultural enrichment journeys.

Join the Mission

At The Male’s Place, we inspire young men to grow into leaders who contribute to their communities and beyond. Learn more about our impactful work and discover how you can support our mission to guide the next generation.