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Wyandanch Union Free School District

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My Brother's Keeper

  • MBK

The My Brother's Keeper (MBK) program at Wyandanch Union Free School District is part of a state-wide initiative. The New York State My Brother’s Keeper initiative seeks to “Change the Narrative” of boys and young men of color, and all students, by closing and eliminating the opportunity gaps they face and helping them to reach their full potential.

The district’s mission is to “Inspire the passion for learning and educating all students to achieve their full potential.” We have already participated in the My Brother’s Keeper Challenge Grant and firmly believe that being a part of the My Brother’s Keeper Community Network will allow us to further our work in achieving this mission. Our district's My Brother's Keeper initiative launched in September 2024 to serve young men of color. As of April 1st 2025 the New York State Education Department recognized My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Community.As an NYSMBK Community, we join the MBK Community Network of over 40 MBK Communitiesacross the state. We will gain additional technical assistance in the execution of our action plan, we are able to participate in both state and national MBK convenings, and gain eligibility for programs such as the My Brother’s Keeper Fellows Program.

 

The Call to Action

Staff and students from the Wyandanch Union Free School District came together with Town of Babylon representative Marcus Duffin on October 30, 2024, at the Wyandanch Memorial High School to announce a joint commitment to the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) program and a call to action for community support. My Brother's Keeper (MBK) is a national initiative launched by President Barack Obama in 2014 to address the persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color. The initiative aims to ensure that all young people can reach their full potential by providing mentorship, support networks, and skills necessary for success in education and employment

 

A quote by Barack Obama about the importance of unity and shared responsibility in America.

National MBK Milestones

At the national level, MBK is focused on six milestones:

  1. Entering School Ready to Learn
    All children should have a healthy start and enter school ready – cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally.
  2. Reading at Grade Level by Third Grade
    All children should be reading at grade level by age 8 – the age at which reading to learn becomes essential.
  3. Graduate from High School
    All youth should receive a quality high school education and graduate with the skills and tools needed to advance to postsecondary education or training.
  4. Complete Postsecondary Education or Training
    Every American should have the option to attend postsecondary education and receive the education and training needed for the quality jobs of today and tomorrow.
  5. All Youth Out of School are Employed
    Anyone who wants a job should be able to get a job that allows them to support themselves and their families.
  6. All Youth Remain Safe from Violent Crime
    All youth and young adults should be safe from violent crime; and individuals who are confined should receive the education, training, and treatment they need for a second chance.

 

 

In addition to supporting the six milestones set at the national level, we are also committed to supporting the six NYS MBK Priorities:

1. Ensuring equitable access to high-quality schools and programs;

2. Expanding prevention, early warning, and intervention services;

3. Using differentiated approaches based on need and culture;

4. Responding to structural and institutional racism;

5. Making comprehensive and coordinated support services widely available; and

6. Engaging families and communities in a trusted and respectful way.

 

 

Special Thanks to Our MBK Community Partners

Chase Bank of Wyandanch, Church of God by Faith, Concerned Citizens of
Wyandanch Association, DJForce1, First Church of Wyandanch, Suffolk County
Office of Minority Health, Sustainable Wyandanch, Town of Babylon, Wyandanch
Public Library, Wyandanch Teacher Assistants Association, Wyandanch Teachers
Association.