Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) is a nonprofit organization based in the Bay Area, Maryland, and Minnesota that is dedicated to empowering young men of color through education and mentorship. Their mission is to address the achievement gap by providing the academic and emotional support needed for students to succeed in school and pursue higher education.
Founded with the goal of increasing college access and creating long-term success, IYT is transforming the lives of many young people in the region. The organization offers a range of programs designed to support students at every stage of their academic journey. Central to IYT’s approach is mentorship, where each student is paired with a mentor who guides them not just academically but personally, helping them navigate challenges and stay focused on their goals. IYT also provides tutoring, SAT/ACT prep, and study skill workshops, ensuring students are well-equipped to succeed academically.
The Heritage High School IYT program is located in room P106.
“Our program has a 99% graduation rate and a 78% college-going rate across multiple regions. We work with thousands of students across California, Minnesota, and Maryland,” said Bay Area Mentor Specialist Oakland Moore.
Heritage alum, Mia Blanton, graduated in 2022, came back to Heritage to support students with the IYT program.
“I can relate to some of their experiences and show them what helped me in certain situations, and I do a lot of reminiscing which does make me think about what I could have done to change my future, but it also gives me even more motivation to help those students as well,” said Blanton.
IYT helps students prepare for college by offering college counseling, application assistance, and financial aid workshops, helping first-generation students navigate the complex college admissions process.
In addition to academic support, IYT places a strong emphasis on leadership development. The organization provides opportunities for students to engage in community service and develop leadership skills, empowering them to become active, responsible leaders in their communities. This holistic approach has led to impressive outcomes: IYT students are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and persist through graduation compared to their peers.
Despite challenges such as funding and resource constraints, IYT continues to thrive, making a significant impact on the lives of its participants and their communities. Through its focus on mentorship, academic success, and leadership, Improve Your Tomorrow is not only helping individual students succeed but also creating a brighter future at HHS and the Bay Area.
