Benefits of our program

Our goal is to foster an inspiring environment, where black and brown men intentionally mentor black and brown boys while pushing themselves and each other to defy stereotypes and break boundaries.

Working with our program provides youth with the following:

  • Youth will be taught essential professional skills such as goal setting, interviewing skills, appropriate dressing, etc. through interactive workshops.

  • Youth will be challenged to face past traumas, personal triggers, and fears to foster an environment to grow into mentally and emotionally intelligent young men.

  • Our team will use different methods to interact and challenge youth outside of the traditional classroom setting.

  • Organization exposes youth to new experiences, ideologies, emotions, and coping mechanisms which will instill them with tools necessary to take over the world.

  • Item description

  • Our Learning and Development Director will meet with mentees as a group and individually to prepare them for their goals after high school including college, military, and trade school.

A group of people participating in a yoga or stretching class indoors, with some in kneeling positions and others reaching out with their arms.
A group of people participating in a game or activity, each holding their head with both hands, standing or sitting around a table with plastic cups on the floor.
Five young men sitting around a round table in a library, each reading a book or document.
Group of students and instructors working at a science lab table with large sheets of paper, markers, and Crayola crayons.
A group of nine people, mostly young males, posing indoors near a decorated Christmas tree with colorful ornaments and lights, with a blue-lit wall in the background.
A group of five young men sitting around a table with red tablecloths, water bottles, and snacks. They are indoors in front of a colorful mural with graffiti-style artwork and words like "Love" and "They),
Three young men dressed in formal suits, standing in front of a colorful school mural, smiling for the photo.
A group of people standing in a line with their hands on their heads, participating in a game or activity inside a room with wooden floors and a table with items in the background.
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impact data

mentee demographics

37%

Juvenile System involvement

32%

FOster System involvement

83%

economically disadvantaged

Youth self-reported:

  • Reduced Aggression and School Fights

  • Comfort Expressing Feelings and Personal Experiences

  • Positive Self-Efficacy and Beliefs

  • Improved Communication

  • 62% dedicated to self-improvement

  • 75% felt more confident

  • 100% enjoyed being a part of SOS

We measure success in three key areas:

College and Career Readiness

College Enrollment

Career Placement

Prosocial Behavior

School Attendance

No New Law Violations

Maintain Positive Relationships

Social and Emotional Development

Emotion Regulation Skills

Social Skills

Self-Efficacy

2023-24 Impact

0%

Of mentees identified action steps to reach their future career goals.

0%

Of mentees reported strong social-skills including self-determination, emotion regulation, and respect for others.

0%

Of mentees reported increased confidence, discipline, and social skills, describing SOS as empowering, supportive, and life-changing.

Sons of Sophistication is dedicated to the growth and success of our mentees.

In 2023-2024 mentees, caregivers, and mentors, identified improved in social skills, self-identity, school readiness, and life skills.

Caregivers observed growth in their childs:

  • Responsibility

  • Communication

  • Emotion Regulation

  • Academic Focus

  • Social Skills

0%

Caregivers would recommend SOS to other families.

Caregivers reported SOS provides support for college and career readiness through:

  • ACT/SAT Prep

  • College application support

  • Future Planning

  • Career Exposure

Mentee spotlight

Auvante Gipson

Mentor: Justin Wright

Auvante’s accomplishments since being involved in SOS

-Took SAT and scored 790/800 on Math

-Changed career goals from Welding-Military-College

-Increase goal setting

-Increase trust in mentor and other trusted adults

“Sons of Sophistication has had a good impact on me by giving me guidance and support during the time I have been here. As a mentorship program SOS has taught me valuable skills I can use in the real world, like networking and early preparation for college which helped me start thinking seriously about my future. I feel like my mentor along with Mr. Johnson and Ms. Caprice don't just teach they actually care offering real support and things I can learn to help me improve the person I am. Being apart of SOS makes me feel supported and motivated, knowing I have people in my corner who want me to succeed.”

-Auvante Gipson, Mentee since 2025

Testimonies

  • Portrait of a young man with curly hair wearing a plaid blazer, black shirt, and blue tie, standing outdoors with blurred trees in the background.

    Times when I didn’t even believe in myself, SOS believed in me. Without SOS I really wouldn’t be who I am right now

    John Griffith, Mentee 2016-2019

  • Smiling man wearing a suit with a pink tie and a lapel pin, holding a glass of wine outdoors with trees and sunlight in the background.

    My first year was really good. I met new people and established relationships that I wouldn't trade anything in the world for. Made good connections and helped out a lot of people, too. I hope to see SOS county wide. It's good that we're exposed to it, but other people need the experience just like we do.

    Jalen McClees, Mentee 2016-2018

  • Young woman outdoors smiling, wearing a yellow sleeveless top with a blurred green background.

    Children are the future and I've seen the potential that the future holds but it is only released when someone invests in them. Seeing our kids faces and continuing to invest in their future is the best motivation to get up everyday and serve.

    Brianca Wright, Co-Founder & Impact Director

  • A young man with dreadlocks smiling and resting his chin on his hand in an indoor setting.

    Throughout the program, me and my mentors have connected on a personal level, and I consider them my family. I know if I need any assistance SOS will be there however they can.

    Cyrell Scott, Mentee 2024-2025

  • Portrait of a young Black man wearing a gray suit, white shirt, and a blue striped tie, with a serious expression against a blurred indoor background.

    The most enjoyable part of this program is being able to witness the transformative growth inside our young men. Every activity requires you to be vulnerable, decisive, to communicate and to be present in your own thoughts

    Darius Holliday, Mentor 2022-2024

  • A smiling man with dreadlocks wearing a dark red blazer, black shirt, and matching red tie standing indoors with a blurred background.

    Creating SOS was more than simply creating a new organization, it was about birthing a movement to raise thoughtful, ambitious, and powerful young men who will one day change the world. My dedication to this work is continuously reinforced by the impact we have on our children, and also by the daily impact they have on us. I could not imagine my life without them in it

    Le’Otis Boswell Johnson, Co-Founder & Executive Director