Grantee Spotlight: The Men's Group
When we invest in students, especially those from underserved backgrounds, we lay the foundation for a thriving Stanislaus County, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Stanislaus County is home to several nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving educational outcomes, and one of these is a group of retired men, aptly called The Men’s Group. Founded in 1999, by Dr. Jim Williams (President of Modesto Junior College) and Dr. Walter Strong (Vice President of Advancement at Stanislaus State), The Men’s Group was borne out of a shared concern: the alarming underrepresentation of young Black men in higher education. The two education leaders came together joined forces around a common cause: to improve high school graduation rates and provide access to college resources for young Black men.
The Men’s Group became a nonprofit organization in 2004, focused on supporting young Black students in their academic journeys. Two years later, they launched the Saturday Leadership Academy (SLA), a transformative program designed to equip students with life skills, resources, and guidance that they might not receive in school or at home. Working closely with Modesto City Schools, the group recruits high school-aged Black male students. The academy is free of charge.
Every Saturday for thirteen weeks, students gather for 3-hour workshops where they learn from guest speakers on topics such as public speaking, financial literacy, personal accountability, and career exploration. But the academy doesn’t stop at classroom learning – students attend tours of college campuses, hospitals, courtrooms, and even the state capitol – exposing them to a world of possibilities. “The program is meant to not only mentor kids, but also give them an idea of what’s out there in the world,” said Ron Noble, Vice President of The Men’s Group.
Upon completing the program, students join a growing network of alumni and are eligible for a $1,000 academic scholarship. Over the past 18 years,138 students have graduated from the Saturday Leadership Academy, and over $27,000 has been awarded in scholarships. Thanks to a recent $25,000 grant from Stanislaus Community Foundation, The Men’s Group will continue offering their Saturday Leadership Academy and alumni scholarships to Stanislaus County students that need them the most.
With a dedicated team of 16 volunteers, The Men’s Group is driven by passion for making a difference in the lives of young Black male students. Ron shared, “As we grow, so does our service to at risk, underserved youth in our community.” The group is excited to recruit younger members whose fresh perspectives and energy will help move the program forward into the future. Additionally, they are always looking for speakers to present to students. To learn more about The Men’s Group, visit www.themensgroup.org.