100 Kings Program

Our Human Investment Principles

Since 1991, 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee (The 100) has worked to counter the negative statistics by giving Black, male youth the foundation of knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to become significant community contributors. There are three major human investment principles that have guided our efforts:

• Long-term commitment to a young man's holistic development increases his confidence and his expectations
• Quality education coupled with targeted community exposures enables a young man to maximize his talents.
• Significant member-led financial support provides a concerned and focused volunteer network

THE VISION – 100 KINGS

Long-term success in America requires a strong blend of knowledge, skills and confidence. American youth demonstrate how well they have developed in these areas through their behavior and their academic performance in school. Therefore, The 100 has created a seven-year leadership development program designed to help 100 5th-grade, Black, male youth develop the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to succeed in school and to succeed in life. The new program is called “100 KINGS!”

Accordingly, the goal of the 100 KINGS program is that by 12th grade graduation in May 2010, these 5th graders will:

Considering our belief in long-term commitment, the 100 KINGS Program is designed to maintain a group of 100 students - all at the same grade level - during the entire seven-year process.

Per our discussions with the Director of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, principals, teachers and guidance counselors from 30 of the areas middle schools, students were recommended to participate in the program. Students who were not selected for the original group of 100 are maintained in an "alternates" database. In the event of attrition, we select from the alternate list to maintain a group at the same grade level.

The criteria for entrance into the 100 KINGS Program was clear. Middle school educators were asked to identify African American male 5 th graders to:

1. Attend school regularly
2. Exhibit great potential for personal, academic and career success
3. Exhibit a desire to leverage support they receive
4. Appear to be ideal for mentor-based development

Program Components

In an effort to help the students develop their knowledge, skills and confidence, the program addresses three major human development areas: Personal Growth, Academic Enrichment and Career Preparation. Our Personal Growth curriculum helps students develop a clear sense of identity and a life vision that guides their decision-making. Our Academic Enrichment curriculum helps students place special emphasis on critical thinking and reading comprehension - two areas that are commonly underdeveloped among African American youth. Our Career Preparation curriculum prepares students to view and build their careers as a combination of jobs, businesses and volunteer activities that maximize their talents and gifts.

Curriculum Overview

Personal Growth

• Self-Respect and Values Clarification
• Positive Response Behavior
• Role Modeling
• Nutrition and Physical Health
• Etiquette and Social Exposure

Academic Enrichment

• Study Skills
• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking
• Test Taking
• Tutoring

Vocational Preparation

• Peer Counseling
• College Preparation
• Career Selection
• Financial Management
• Community Service

Program Delivery

Programs are delivered through group training sessions and small-group mentoring sessions conducted by local educators, 100 Black Men members and community members. Training sessions are held two Saturdays per month during the school year and for six consecutive weeks during the summer. Training sessions are held at Belmont University to help the students establish an expectation for attending college.

100 Black Men Standards for Success

The students who participate in 100 Kings meet several standards for success in the areas of attitude, attendance and attire. Adherence to these standards prepares them for long-term success.

ATTITUDE

• I will maintain appropriate behavior standards in school and in sessions
• I will treat others with respect at all times
• I will not bring walkmans, radios, etc. to sessions
• I will not use profanity during sessions

ATTENDANCE

• I will maintain 90% attendance

Note: Activities not counted as an absence:

• Funeral with note from parent
• Doctor’s appointment with note from parent
• Youth development activity (deemed appropriate by Director)
• I will provide advance notice of absences by writing or calling the Director
• I will arrive 10 minutes early for all sessions

ATTIRE

• I will wear appropriate attire to 100 KINGS Training Sessions

Partners for Progress

Collaboration is the central most effective tool to expand a non-profit's outreach and impact. With that in mind, The 100 has established partnerships with a variety of non-profit organizations in an effort to expose students to various educational, entertainment and community-building activities. Below is a list of the 100 KINGS Program Partners.