Youth Guidance – BAM Launched 2017 About Prioritizing mental health and socio-emotional learning while building community for young men of color. Becoming A Man (BAM) is a two-year, school-based program that supports young men of color through weekly group sessions with their peers and the guidance of a trauma-informed BAM counselor. These trained, culturally competent counselors help young men to resist negative influences and develop social-cognitive skills, like self-awareness, emotional regulation, and responsible decision making. With this support and skills, the program deters criminal involvement and increases school engagement. Boys and young men of color face disproportionate challenges in reaching their full potential as compared to their white peers. GreenLight Boston supported BAM’s expansion to Boston for its proven ability to improve life outcomes, particularly for young men of color. Randomized control trials have shown that BAM reduces total arrests by 35%, violent crime arrests by 50%, and increases on-time graduation by 19%. Operating under the umbrella of Youth Guidance, BAM and its team of counselors work alongside the local school staff to ensure successful program implementation. BAM’s impact is felt deeply within the Greater Boston school districts, where they provide a positive outlet for young men where they can overcome hurdles, remain focused on education, and ultimately achieve success. Founder Tony Ramirez-DiVittorio CEO Michelle Adler-Morrison Executive Director, Youth Guidance Boston Shawn Brown National Headquarters Chicago, IL Email Contact [email protected] Website youth-guidance.org/youth-guidance-boston BAM’s Expansion to Boston: Supporting young men of color through counseling and community BAM’s Impact in Boston In 2022 – 2023 683 students reached 100% of BAM scholars reporting gains in social-emotional and resiliency measures, like empathy, critical thinking, perseverance, and emotion control 14 HSA subscales showing statistically significant increases In Boston 70% of Becoming a Man (BAM) youth demonstrated growth across all social–emotional learning measures, with the support of BAM’s core values Read the Story In Boston 100% of BAM Scholars advanced to the next grade, overcoming challenges and embracing the future. Devon shares his experience. Read the Story The BAM circle lies at the heart of the program. What Our Community is Saying “To sit in a [BAM] circle with young men who are in touch with their own emotions, which is not something you always see, and talk about their own growth and development so openly, and encourage one another in a positive way in the space. You don’t get that feeling often anywhere, let alone in schools… it was a powerful experience.” Dr. Charles Grandson Chief Equity and Strategy Officer, Boston Public Schools “[BAM] has tremendously supported our young men of color, providing guidance, mentoring and leadership development at every stage. BAM has become part of the fabric of schools and a critical resource for our students.” Mary Skipper Superintendent, Boston Public Schools “In the BAM group, we really get comfortable with each other and express our feelings. BAM has taught me that if, in the moment, I am feeling stressed, angry, etc. I can take that anger and turn it into positive anger expression – take bad things and turn it into positive things.” Juan BAM Scholar, East Boston High School “BAM made me think there’s no limit. And I can exceed my expectations, not only mine, but everyone else’s.” Joshua Ramgeet BAM Scholar, Jeremiah E. Burke High School “[BAM is] redefining masculinity and supporting the next generation of men to be more thoughtful and more compassionate and more vulnerable.” Justin Kang Founder, Visible Hands and Boston Selection Advisory Council Join our work in Boston We rely on champions and supporters who believe in the power and potential of community-driven change. Follow Us @GreenLightBOS Get In Touch
