WELCOME TO THE ENLIGHTENED MENTOR PROJECT
The Enlightened Mentor Project (aka “TEM) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that empowers Black teenagers and young adults through mentoring and academic achievement. We rely heavily on donations from individuals and like-hearted organizations to enable the life-changing programs and services we offer. Please click the ‘Donate Now’ button to provide your generous donation today, and by doing so, help us empower a young man’s life!
HAPPY WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
TEM acknowledges and salutes all women around the world during International Women’s History Month!
“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” – Oprah Winfrey
Our Mission
The Enlightened Mentor Project serves to empower Black male youths ages 12-23 (a.k.a. “Champions”) to overcome the environmental and societal risk factors that limit their potential, and help them achieve academic success, develop critical life skills, and pursue appropriate education, career, and life development. We empower them to pursue extraordinary outcomes and realize their dreams thru the provision of educational, career, athletic, and life resources that are otherwise unavailable to them.
Our mentees (aka “Champions”) are Black youth and young adults ages 12 – 23 living in the greater LA area. They are generally subjected to suboptimal conditions such as violence, drug use, gang activity, low income/poverty, broken homes, foster care, and other socio-economic risk factors—all of which influence them to fall short of their potential. Our goal is to change the narratives our Champions hear, and instead, provide them with encouragement and enlightenment that empower them to maximize their full potential.
Our Audience
OUR APPROACH
To achieve our mission, we deliver a thoughtful and deliberate blend of mentorship, academic empowerment, and life skills development that prepare our Champions to take control of their life, pursue excellence, and realize extraordinary life outcomes.
One of the greatest values of MENTORS is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and help them navigate a course to their destination.
MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS
ACADEMIC & COLLEGE PREPARATION
We provide academic tutoring services for our Champions aimed at improving their overall academic capability and performance. Additionally, we provide college preparation services—including SAT/ACT prep and college tours—designed to help our Champions select, enroll, and attend the best possible colleges and universities.
LIFE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS
We provide our Champions with a unique combination of life skills training and sports storytelling designed to help them find their purpose, improve access to opportunity and education, and instill the confidence they need to achieve greatness. Our life skills workshops are typically delivered cohort-style and intended to promote brotherhood among our Champions.
Our programming is designed to help our Champions: (1) Establish & maintain overall health & well-being; (2) Achieve superior academic performance and establish a path to college; (3) Achieve gainful employment; (4) Establish the ability to live & thrive independently; and (5) Establish and maintain healthy relationships.
"Quote of the Week"
This quote from novelist Toni Morrison is a powerful affirmation of self-worth, identity, and inner value. Ms. Morrison is reminding us that our greatest asset isn’t external—like status, approval, or possessions—but ourselves. Our identity, voice, mind, and spirit are inherently valuable. Too often, people are taught to look outside themselves for validation, but this quote redirects that focus inward. You are enough as you are, your value is not dependent on others’ opinions, and self-worth is something you recognize, not something you earn. In short: You don’t need to become something greater—you already are.
TEM Program Spotlight
MLK DAY PARADE 2026
TEM was invited to walk alongside United Airlines in the annual MLK Day Parade in Leimert Park, a powerful celebration honoring the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Our Champions, mentors, and families showed up in strong support of community and unity – standing together in recognition of Dr. King’s impact and vision. We were truly honored to walk in solidarity with accomplished Black professionals from the aviation industry, creating a meaningful moment of representation and inspiration for our Champions.
Career Day Workshop
In January 2026, TEM was thrilled to co-facilitate a Career Day Workshop in partnership with United Airlines and the BRG Beacon team from LAX. Black representatives from United Airlines included a pilot, flight attendant, customer service agent, and a member of the Tech Ops (airplane mechanics) team, all of whom took time to educate and inspire our Champions about the many career pathways within the aviation industry. Champions learned about different pathways into these careers and introduced to pensions, unions, and other important career-related concepts. This experience helped them begin thinking about long- term financial security and what it takes to build a stable, rewarding career beyond school. We are grateful for the opportunity to introduce our Champions to the amazing career possibilities at United Airlines and empower them to envision bright futures for themselves.
Partner Spotlight: United Airlines
We are deeply grateful for the generous financial support of United Airlines, whose investment is helping us expand our reach and strengthen the quality of mentorship we provide. Their partnership fuels our ability to grow sustainably, serve more young people, and build pathways to long-term success. What makes their support especially meaningful is their commitment to showing up beyond their contribution — demonstrating a shared belief in our mission and in the potential of the youth we serve. It’s this kind of wholehearted partnership that creates lasting, compounded impact in our community.
TEM Upcoming Calendar
Ready to Join Our Team?
If you would like to receive Mentorship, please click the ‘I Want to be Mentored’ button to fill out our CHAMPION Interest Form.
If you would like to be a MENTOR on our team, please click the ‘I Want to be a MENTOR’ button to fill out our MENTOR Interest Form.
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