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My Brother's Keeper

My Brother's Keeper

About the New York State My Brother's Keeper Initiative

In 2014, former President Barack Obama established the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Task Force at the federal level. The Task Force was an interagency effort focused on closing and eliminating the opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color so that all young people have the chance to reach their full potential.

With the adoption of the 2016–2017 New York State Budget, New York became the first state to accept the President’s challenge and enacted the My Brother’s Keeper initiative into law. The budget included a $20 million investment in support of the initiative to improve outcomes for boys and young men of color.

The New York State My Brother’s Keeper Community Network includes more than 20 member communities that have joined the growing initiative to improve outcomes for boys and young men of color. 

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.

 

MBK In NYS

In addition to supporting the six milestones set at the national level, New York’s MBK initiative is also committed to: 

  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.