United Way of the Midlands launches Young Men United
Young Men United (YMU) is an evidence-informed initiative designed to create barrier-free pathways for young Black men to reach their academic and career goals.
New to the Midlands, this initiative brings wrap-around support to college-capable male high school students of color, allowing them to enter and succeed in college and successfully enter the workforce or graduate school.
Goals of the program:
- Increase postsecondary education attainment (2- or 4-year degree and/or trade/professional certification) for young Black men
- Position these men for successful entry into career or graduate school through paid internships, consistent mentorship and professional skill development
- Prevent participants’ education being disrupted due to financial emergencies
- Retain these men in the South Carolina workforce thereby improving workforce development