Mentoring, Leadership Programs and Activities for Black Youth in the Phoenix Area

In order for our children to survive and excel in today’s world, it’s extremely important for them to have responsible, caring and knowledgeable adult role models in their lives.

PhxSoul.com feels that it is extremely important to help Black youth find ways to build leadership skills, stay out of trouble and interact with other on a healthy level.

There are dozens of organizations in the Valley of the Sun for Black teenagers and children. You have youth ministries, sports leagues, performing arts groups, after-school programs, charities and many other groups.

If you are a parent in the Valley of the Sun, we encourage you to review this list of established Black and multicultural organizations to help OUR children achieve their full potential!

And of course, please Contact Us to let us know about your organization for youth!

Youth Programs in the Valley of the Sun

• Project Alpha – Provides education for young males 13-17 years old on the role of males in society. Motivates young men to make decisions about their goals and values, and act in ways that support their decisions. Builds young men’s skills through role-playing. Utilizes appropriate male role models and mentors. Visit phoenixalphas.org for more info.

• Kappa League – A youth mentoring, personal, academic and leadership development organization that provides career opportunities, inspiration and exposure to its members. Visit www.phoenixkappas.com for more info.

• Delta Academy – It takes a village to raise a child and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. strives to be part of that village for girls ages 11-14 by providing experiences for personal development and self-actualization through workshops, field trips, and cultural outings and activities. The program also provides academic enrichment in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). The program is offered in the following locations through the various chapters in Arizona: Peoria, Phoenix, Sierra Vista, Tempe, Tucson.

• Delta G.E.M.S. – For young ladies in high school (ages 14-18), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. offers a road map for college and career planning through activities that provide opportunities for self-reflection and individual growth. Delta GEMS participants learn the process of Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully and how to make self-development a continuous process in their lives. The program is offered in the following locations through the various chapters in Arizona: Peoria, Phoenix, Sierra Vista, Tempe, Tucson.

• Omega Youth Leadership Academy – A comprehensive community-based youth development program designed to effectively empower and educate males of color in 5th – 12th grades on how to face, navigate through, and overcome today’s social and personal challenges. Visit www.oyla.org for more info.

• Useful Hands PHX – Coming Fall of 2020, Useful Hands PHX is providing a 2-day outdoor program designed to empower young men, while on their journey to Manhood through hands-on introductory skill training. This program is also happily open to adult men who would like to receive any of the training this program provides. There will only be four participants per session and everything will be held outdoors. Training includes Charcoal Grilling, Auto Care, Fishing, Planter Box Assembly. Visit usefulhandsphx.com for more details.

• Big Brothers Big Sisters – Has a variety of programs designed to align children in need with adult mentors. Visit www.bbbsaz.org for more info.

• AFRO Scouts – BaseArizona created this group for children of African descent to inspire development, leadership and socialization. Visit www.basearizona.org/afro-scouts for more info. Visit www.bbbsaz.org for more info.

• Boys and Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix – Enables all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Visit www.bgcmp.org for more info.

• Boys and Girls Clubs of the East Valley – Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Visit clubzona.org for more info.

• Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale – Offers after school activities, Summer Day Camp, sports leagues, and computers for youth and teens. Visit www.bgcs.org for more info.

• Boys to Men of Greater Phoenix – Boys to Men mentors show up in schools weekly to work with struggling boys, beginning in 7th grade and following them through high school. Boys to Men’s proven group mentoring guides and challenges their choices and stories, while helping them build tools, confidence and self-reliance in the man they are becoming. Visit www.boystomenphoenix.org for more info.

• COMPUGIRLS – A culturally relevant technology program for adolescent (grades 8-12) girls from Phoenix’s high needs districts. Visit compugirls.asu.edu for more info.

• Fight 4 Life “NO EXCUSES” Manhood Training – 12-week program that teaches and prepares young boys for manhood. The Manhood training program offers self-defense training, health and fitness awareness, basic mechanics, financial literacy (including stocks and investments), math and reading tutoring, and cultural expression. Visit www.fight4lifenoexcuses.org for more info.

• Future Stars, Inc. – Created to help students reach their full potential in academics and athletics. Visit www.futurestarsaz.org for more info.

• Jack and Jill of Phoenix – Provides an avenue for our children to develop bonds that will foster spirituality, strong leadership skills, achievement and lifelong friendships. Visit www.jackandjillphoenix.org for more info.

• Life Paradigms: Rites of Passage – The mission is to implement positive change in underserved communities through the intellectual/educational, emotional and social development of youth, women and those in the criminal justice system. Visit www.life-paradigms.com for more info.

• NAACP Youth Council – A branch of the NAACP in which youth under the age of 21 are actively involved. Visit www.arizonastateconferencenaacp.org for more info.

• 100 Black Men of Phoenix – Men of Tomorrow – Dedicated to improving the quality of life of African Americans within the Phoenix metro area by enhancing educational and economic opportunities for all. The 100 Black Men of Phoenix take an active leadership role in helping minority youth become contributing, competitive, and valued members of society. Visit the The 100 Black Men of Phoenix, Inc. Website for more info.

• A.R.M.Y. Group Program – Youth Mentoring Group Program preparing the hearts and minds of today’s youth through Emotional and Social Wellness, Physical Motivation, Spiritual Consciousness, and Basic Living Skills. Boot camp for the Mind, Body & Soul! NOW ENROLLING AGE GROUPS OF 13-17 & 18-23.

• Valley Youth Theatre – Offers several children’s theatre classes that will provide professional performing arts training for theatre enthusiasts ages 3-18. For more info, visit
www.vyt.com/education/.

• Vanguard Initiative, Inc. – Boys and young men within the ages of 5-18 years attend events centered around recreation and constructive workshops. Various positive male figures, parents and local business owners volunteer time and resources to aid objectives. For more info, visit vginitiative.org.

• Atabey Outdoors – 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to providing fun and safe outdoor experiences for Black, Indigenous, Girls of Color. Visit atabeyoutdoors.com for more details!

In addition, please visit our PhxSoul.com Youth section to find activities for Black children in the Phoenix metropolitan area!