My Brother’s Keeper mentors and mentees at one of the program’s events.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OBAMA FOUNDATION

CHICAGO – Before he left office, President Obama launched an initiative to help young men of color excel. He has incorporated the program into the Obama Foundation and later this month, the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance will launch a national competition to identify and support several cities, towns, counties and Tribal Nations that accepted the MBK Community Challenge.

The program is looking for MBK Communities that are making steady progress and have the potential to be proof points for what it takes to substantially improve life outcomes for boys and young men of color, especially as it relates to reducing youth violence and growing the pipeline of mentors having a measurable impact on boys and young men of color.

Eligible grantees are high-performing backbone organizations, U.S.-based 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organizations with strong leadership and a track record of success in driving collective impact efforts locally, initiating program development, and expanding policies and practices that enhance equity and opportunity for boys and young men of color. To submit a proposal, organizations must have the backing of local government leadership or an approved MBK Alliance partner.