Programs
Core Programs
The Inner Hero’s core programs align with its mission to empower youth to become productive citizens by providing safe spaces, fostering trust, and promoting education to inspire positive community engagement.
The Inner Hero After-School Program
For the past two years, The Inner Hero After-School Program has been a cornerstone of our commitment to fostering growth and leadership in young minds. Held at Brooklyn Center Elementary School, this program provides a nurturing and enriching environment where students in grades 3-12 can thrive. We go beyond traditional academics, offering engaging activities and personalized mentorship that empower students to explore their passions, build valuable skills, and develop their unique potential. Our dedicated staff provides help with homework, engaging lessons, and opportunities for creative expression, all while fostering a sense of community and belonging. We believe in igniting a spark in each student, helping them discover their Inner Hero and become confident, capable, and compassionate leaders of tomorrow.
Youth Pathways to Civic Education and Careers (YPCEC)
Youth Pathways to Civic Education and Careers (YPCEC) Series aims to activate lifelong civic engagement by presenting the community with relevant and engaging civic education through resource sharing, speakers, and facilitators in community and educational sectors.
The Inner Hero Organization’s YPCEC series commits to offering students and parents opportunities to become educated and involved in civic sectors. It achieves this by presenting educational programming and activities that promote awareness of local, national, and global civic initiatives. The aim is to encourage youth civic engagement, activation, and participation.
The Inner Hero Youth Summer Camp Program
For the past two years, The Inner Hero Summer Program has been an invaluable experience for youth, fostering personal growth and community engagement. This program provides a dynamic and supportive environment where young people can cultivate essential skills, embrace healthy lifestyles, and discover their inner potential. Through a blend of engaging activities, mentorship, and community service, participants build confidence, develop leadership abilities, and learn the importance of giving back. The Inner Hero Summer Program empowers youth to thrive and become active, responsible, and compassionate members of society.
Annual Programs
The Inner Hero’s annual programs foster safe communities where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.
5 on 5 Basketball Tournament (July)
For eight years running, The Inner Hero has hosted an annual basketball tournament. For the last several years, LEGACY HOOPS has generously provided the space. It’s an annual event where the community comes together for a day filled with athletic fun and sportsmanship. This event is just one of the ways we fulfill our goal to help build social interaction in the community. We believe that the values of sportsmanship – teamwork, respect, and fair play – extend beyond the court, building stronger relationships in homes, schools, and the community.
Toys for Tots Community Distribution (December)
For seven years running, our Toys for Tots Community Distribution program has been a real blessing during the holiday season. More than just an annual event, this program embodies the spirit of giving within our community. Each year, we facilitate the process and distribute the gifts to families in need within our community, ensuring that every child experiences the joy of Christmas. Through the generosity of the Toys for Tots program and the dedication of our volunteers, we strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families.
Mentorship
These programs encourage community interaction, teach life skills, and build self-esteem. We provide two areas of mentorship.
Peer-to-Peer Mentorship
The Inner Hero youth development and education philosophy focuses on creating leadership from within. We seek to provide youth leaders with the structure and skills to be positive role models to their peers and empower and serve the community from within. We recruit successful 11th and 12th-grade youth to become mentors in the program. In addition, we select one mentor leader to represent each school’s program and assist the program specialist. The Peer Mentors may be the “star students” and students who once fulfilled the profile of the mentored students. All programs are onsite school-based under the supervision of school staff.
Community Leaders Mentorship (CLM)
Volunteers build personal relationships by providing one-on-one mentoring and counseling. The CLM is paired with youth based on their interests and focus so that the youth are developing key skills during this time.
Community Relations
This area focuses on promoting relationships between the youth and their respective community members, businesses, and organizations.
Service Learning
Taking what is learned in the classroom, compiled with the work done through the peer-to-peer leadership, and with their CLM. Youth can apply these skills and values through volunteering on various projects, and/or working at neighborhood businesses. Service learning projects for youth lead to greater civic engagement, deeper learning, work skills, and personal connections.
Volunteering
This is encompassed in the service learning process, but it is an option we like to provide to our youth, to encourage deeper relationship-building. Help youth to find their strengths, and try different things that lead to better career decisions.
Career and Education Development
We focus on identifying and cultivating their academic interests and passions, as well as guiding them to explore and identify career interests and options.
Career Development
Depending upon their interests, youth will be paired with a mentor who is currently working in that field and will be able to guide them through the process of locating an internship, shadowing, or job that is suitable for them. Through tools and resources, youth will be on a better track to progressing in their area of focus.
Education Development
Education is key for preparing youth for the realities of this world and for successful interactions and positive outcomes. Mentors will work to ensure that educational goals are set and obtained and that mentees have all the necessary tools and resources to obtain their goals. This will involve working with parents, school staff, and others in the youth circle.