Breaking Down Barriers for Young Men of Color in Greater Baltimore

Through exposure to different industries and careers, and employing a strong mentorship component, this program will guide students from high school to college or job training and into a full-time career aligned with their dreams and goals, creating a pipeline of leaders that will strengthen and diversify our workforce.  

Program Goals:

• Break down barriers to opportunity, access, and earning power for young men of color 
• Help hundreds of young men of color locally complete high school, a post-secondary higher education or job training, and enter the workforce with a meaningful career 
• Create a community of young men who will support one another to realize their full potential 

The Challenge:

As a result of systemic and institutional barriers, many young men of color lack access to the networks, supportive mentors, financial resources, post-secondary preparedness programs, and pre-professional experiences that lead to academic and career success. 

• Only 23% of Black men and 28% of Hispanic men in the Baltimore area have a bachelor’s degree or higher versus 47% of White men.
• In Baltimore City,  58%  of  White residents are employed in management,  business,  science, and arts occupations versus 29% of Black residents. 
• Nationally, Black men have the lowest four-year college completion rate of all groups (only 40%) and are the most likely to leave without a degree (41%). 

At United Way, we know that education is the foundation of future success—and strong individuals and families make for strong communities. Young Men United will support its participants throughout their journeys, as well as connect them and their families with critical resources like housing and food assistance, counseling services, financial education, and more.