The My Brother’s Keeper Alliance hosts first-ever MBK-Obama Leadership Academy

Hosted in partnership with Chicago Public Schools, the MBK-Obama Leadership Academy was a six-week immersive program for incoming freshmen at Hyde Park Academy, Dyett High School, and Chicago Vocational Career Academy.

Over the course of the program, our young men were introduced to a curriculum that got them ready for their high school careers. Through a service learning project (with a surprise drop in from Chicago Bulls player, Joakim Noah), a college tour at Northern Illinois University, and mindful meditation classes, they opened up their hearts, minds, and worlds to the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.

Rooted in the third of the MBK Alliance’s six key life milestones, which states that all youth should receive a quality high school education and graduate, the MBK-Obama Leadership Academy gave our participants a jumpstart on the days and months ahead. This is particularly important in the city of Chicago where significant educational disparities exist, especially for boys and young men of color. 

According to the To & Through Project (Opens in a new tab), a University of Chicago study, students who complete their freshman year “on track” with a 3.0 GPA are 3.5 times more likely to graduate high school in four years and pursue choice-filled lives. Only 39 percent of Black boys achieve a 3.0 GPA in their freshman year and only 43 percent of Latino boys in Chicago. With each failed course, students' chances of graduating high school drops by 15 percent. Through our program, we aim to ensure all students have the tools necessary to thrive during these most pivotal years. 

Upon completion of the MBK-Obama Leadership Academy, our participants received one high school credit, one service learning credit, and a stipend in honor of their hard work and dedication. We are so excited about the success of the MBK-Obama Leadership Academy! 

As part of our commitment of bringing change home, we look forward to deepening our relationship with Chicago Public Schools and being a valiant advocate and source of hope for its students and administrators. 

We are rooting for our participants as they start this next chapter of their lives and look forward to the day we witness them cross the stage to receive their diplomas.