5000 Role Models of Excellence Project Inc

WE ARE...

The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project is a dropout prevention/mentoring program for minority boys "at-risk" of dropping out of school and/or choosing a life of crime.  The program serves more than 8000 students in 132 Miami-Dade County Public Schools (elementary, K-8 centers, middle and senior high).  The expansion programs include Pinellas County, Broward County, Duval County, and Hillsborough County Public Schools.  The program also serves schools in Detroit, Michigan, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and the Islands of the Bahamas.

The majority of the students enter the program in elementary school and continue activities throughout middle, high school, and post-secondary education years. Primarily, the program serves children who are being reared without the benefit of a father or positive male role model.

IT WORKS...

Due to the program's benefits, the waiting list of applicants is staggering.  Children ages 9 to 19 are referred by school principals, counselors, teachers and/or parents.  Over 95% of the students who begin the program and graduate have no further negative contact with violations of student conduct codes or the law.  School personnel and parents are amazed at the transformation.  The students and adult mentors wear a distinctive uniform, black pants, a black belt, a long-sleeved white dress shirt, black socks, black shoes, and a 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project signature necktie.

A PROMISE OF SUCCESS...

When students enter the program, they are guaranteed the opportunity to attend college or advance through an array of post-secondary opportunities geared toward the next level of education.  Mentors from the program assist students in this process.  Funds for scholarships are raised annually at the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Foundation Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast.  Since its inception in 1993, thousands of young men have been recipients of scholarship awards.  To date, over $50 million in scholarships have been awarded to students successfully completing the program.

FUTURE OF THE PROGRAM...

The goal is to expand the efforts of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project throughout the nation.  As a national program, its efforts would be riveting as we watch juvenile crime decrease one day at a time.