Our Work
When Black and Brown boys feel seen, affirmed and believed in, they thrive.
There is a growing amount of research published by the To & Through Project (University of Chicago) that indicates freshman year of high school as the key inflection point for post-secondary success. A student who completes their freshman year “on track” and with a 3.0+ GPA is 3.5x more likely to graduate high school in 4 years and lead a choice-filled life. However in Chicago only 39% of Latino boys and 27% of Black boys achieve this 3.0 metric. Which is significantly lower than any other freshman group. This contributes directly to the racial disparities in Chicago Public School students’ college outcomes. We aim to change this.
Project OneTen provides essential and holistic programming for boys of color during the critical transition to high school. Through targeted coaching, community building, and our research based curriculum, we create intentional spaces for them to cultivate their strengths, innate brilliance, and unique identities as they build a solid foundation for success in high school and beyond. Our freshman success program aims to ensure that each student completes their freshman year with the tools, resources, and supportive adults to self determine the future of their dreams.
“KB [my mentor] has motivated me to take school more serious…he’s become a big brother and I know he is always going to be here for me.”
-Kaleb, Cohort 2 (2021)
“This experience has impacted me deeply. As a Latino man, I didn’t have opportunities like Project OneTen growing up. Being Alex’s mentor has allowed me to give back in a way that is personal and rooted in what I wish I had as a teenager. “
-Teddy, Mentor (2021-present)
Our Curriculum
The Project OneTen curriculum is rooted in our belief that young people already possess the unique skills, talents, and perspectives necessary for success. We curate culturally relevant learning experiences to further develop critical knowledge and success skills, and provide students with a safe space and the tools to identify and activate these innate qualities.
Students in our program experience modules that center belonging, self-discovery, leadership, and purpose alongside critical conversations exploring growth mindset, goal setting, and overall wellness with their coaches. Our core program pillars are research-based objectives supporting age-appropriate developmental experiences that build components and key factors of young adult success. They inform, guide, and frame every learning and cohort experience.
Upon completing our year-long freshman success program, students have cultivated the skills and mindset necessary to be successful in high school, a new understanding of their strengths, newfound confidence in their dreams, and a supportive network rooting for them every step of the way.
Read more about the many elements of our curriculum below.
Summer Camp
Summer camp plays a critical role in the development of teenagers by providing a unique and immersive environment for personal growth. These experiences foster independence, resilience, and social skills as teens navigate new challenges and build lasting relationships with peers and their coaches. Beyond the fun and adventure, summer camp contribute significantly to the holistic development of teenagers, preparing them for future responsibilities and enhancing their self confidence.
Success Coaching
Using the Search Institute’s Developmental Relationship Framework, our students receive both a success coach (formerly mentor) and an academic coach. These individuals serve as key players during a student’s year in our program. This team of supportive adults guides students in developing academic, social, and interpersonal goals, and supports them in identifying strategies to best achieve these goals during their freshman year and beyond.
Cohort Learning &
Community Support
Community and cohort-based learning for students is essential as it cultivates a sense of belonging and collaboration, fostering a supportive environment for academic and personal development. Through shared experiences and diverse perspectives within a cohort, students develop crucial social skills necessary for success. Our community comprises of peers, supportive adults, and facilitators who are all dedicated to seeing our students succeed.
Alumni Support
Alumni support beyond our program is paramount as it reinforces a sense of community and also enhances the chances of long-term success. We have developed key partnerships with organizations across Chicago that share our values and have committed to serving as a net of support beyond freshman year. We also have a myriad of ways in which alumni can continue to benefit and support the Project OneTen program by serving as peer mentors or recruitment ambassadors, and participating in targeted alumni programs.
Our Program Funders
The Project OneTen community is thankful for every single person, foundation, and company who have invested in our movement to support boys of color in Chicago. The organizations acknowledged below have had a powerful role in our continued growth and development.
