B-CU Male Development Institute Hosts Youth Summit in Ft. Pierce, Florida

Male youth in Ft. Pierce, Florida, were treated to a youth summit Jermaine L. McKinney, Director of the B-CU Male Development Institute, along with staff and students he coordinated and facilitated a Youth Summit for approximately 45 young males residing in and around the Ft. Pierce, Florida, and the Treasure Coast —Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin Counties — areas as a part of the "Power of the Tie" tour. The event was held at the Performance-Based Preparatory Academy School in Ft. Pierce, where Dr. Arthur Jamison is the principal. The purpose of the summit was to provide an array of engaging, motivational, and educational workshops for the youth participants. 

Dr. Randy Nelson, Director of the B-CU Criminal Justice Administration Graduate Program assisted in the facilitation of summit activities and provided funding support through the 

B-CU Center for Law and Social Justice. The Omicron Tau Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and Chapter Basileus Durone Glymph provided logistical support for the event. 

Students participated in sessions that included dress for success conversations; achieving academic success and balancing sports; transitioning through male development; and an engaging discussion on law enforcement interactions.

Alumnus Kelvin Mayner ('91), a native of Ft. Pierce, organized the summit and led the Boys to Men workshop with the assistance of current B-CU students. He expressed a sense of pride for having B-CU's presence in his home community. "I believe the B-CU college students reached these young men in a different and perhaps more effective way than older adults could ever imagine," said Mayner. "My hometown has certainly benefited from this Youth Summit and I am certainly glad that they were receptive to the visit." The organizers received positive feedback and expect to make this an annual event for male youth.