Fostering Growth and Resilience: Yonkers’ Commitment to Young Men of Color

Yonkers Public Schools, in collaboration with MBK Model Communities—an initiative of the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance—has made a significant investment in their community by bringing The Council for Boys and Young Men Facilitator Training to the district. The energy in the room was truly inspiring; every participant brought passion, insight, and a genuine dedication to making a difference in the lives of young men. We asked our host, Dr. Jason Baez, to share his thoughts, and this is what he said.

Yonkers, New York, has emerged as one of four My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Model Communities, a prestigious designation reflecting its commitment to implementing evidence-based practices that impact communities nationwide. This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster equity, opportunity, and success for boys and young men of color.

As part of this commitment, leaders from the MBK Yonkers chapter participated in The Council for Boys and Young Men Facilitator Training, a program focused on equipping educators with strength-based methods to manage group dynamics, address behavioral challenges, and promote safe, healthy behaviors. Attendees included educators, counselors, and school staff from Yonkers’ schools. The training emphasized prevention and intervention strategies that minimize classroom disruptions, maximize group cohesion, and nurture students’ personal growth.

“This curriculum represents our district’s commitment to nurturing every student’s potential and fostering a supportive environment that uplifts and empowers young men of color,” said Superintendent Aníbal Soler, Jr. “By focusing on their strengths and equipping our educators with the tools to build meaningful relationships, we are laying the foundation for our students’ academic and personal success. This is not just about curriculum; it’s about inspiring growth and resilience in our future leaders.”

The Yonkers MBK chapter has embraced One Circle Foundation’s strength-based approach, which encourages educators to shift their focus from deficits to the unique assets each student brings. Through this training, chapter leaders gain practical tools to guide students in core areas such as emotional awareness, decision-making, and building healthy relationships. These activities are strategically designed to support students’ academic achievements and personal development.

Dr. Jason Baez, Executive Director of MBK Yonkers, highlighted the importance of this paradigm shift. “We had a lot of discussions about how we often focus on students’ deficits,” he said. “But with this approach, we’re focusing on their strengths instead—a ‘water half full’ mindset.”

By prioritizing these innovative practices, Yonkers is not only fostering a supportive environment for young men of color but also setting an example for communities across the country. The city’s participation in the MBK initiative underscores its dedication to creating opportunities that inspire growth, resilience, and future leadership.