Orientation, identity and belonging; communication, etiquette, public speaking and digital citizenship. Two opening sessions.
2026–2027 YOUTH PROGRAM
Rooted in character.
Rising with purpose.
Gents & Jewels of Character is a culturally grounded rites-of-passage program for young men and young women. The Ball celebrates their journey; mentorship, learning and service shape it.
WHO CAN APPLY
Commitment. Character.
Potential.
Young men (Gents) and young women (Jewels) ages 15–18 in grades 10–12, or an approved alternative pathway, are invited to apply. Selection focuses on commitment, character and potential.
Accepted participants become members of B.O.L.D. (Gents) or G.L.O.W. (Jewels). Both groups learn, serve, complete a Rite of Passage and are presented together.
What participants gain
Screened mentors and elders support communication, cultural pride, leadership, confidence and personal responsibility. Workshops and experiences explore college, HBCUs, skilled trades, careers, entrepreneurship, financial skills, wellness and healthy relationships.
THE PARTICIPANT COMMITMENT
Growth you put
into practice.
Learning and participation
- Maintain at least a C average and submit marking-period progress reports.
- Attend at least 80% of required sessions and every rehearsal from May 1 forward.
- Participate respectfully, arrive on time and communicate through approved channels with a parent or guardian included.
- Join family activities, rehearsals, the Rite of Passage and the Ball.
Service, legacy and presentation
- Complete at least 30 approved community service hours, including group service days and an approved individual or small-team project.
- Submit the service report in April with a reflection and supervisor documentation coordinated directly with MWCO.
- Complete a Legacy Portfolio in May: a written personal profile, captioned memories and a letter to your future self.
- Present a 3–5 minute approved Legacy & Leadership Showcase reflecting on personal growth, cultural inspiration, community service and future goals, and learn the shared line dance.
MWCO coordinates and verifies service records directly. Community-service hours logs are not available for public download.
THE YEAR AT A GLANCE
Learn. Serve.
Carry it forward.
Christmas & Kwanzaa Holiday Celebration centered on family, culture, unity, generosity and the seven principles of Kwanzaa; community service and project planning.
MLK Legacy & Service Month: leadership, civic responsibility and a community service experience, with budgeting, banking, entrepreneurship and ownership.
Black History Month and College & HBCU Fair: cultural traditions, college exploration, financial-aid and scholarship guidance, creative expression, arts and storytelling.
Women’s History Month recognition honoring Black women leaders and changemakers; Gents & Jewels Day, career role models, resumes, interviews, healthy relationships and respect. Ball rehearsals begin.
Minority Health Month and Mental Wellness: emotional health, stress management, resilience, self-care, recognizing warning signs and knowing when to ask a trusted adult or professional for help. Service reports are completed.
Mental Health Awareness Month: reducing stigma, healthy coping, peer support, trusted adults and pathways to professional or crisis support; Rite of Passage ceremonies, Legacy Portfolios and the Legacy & Leadership Showcase.
Juneteenth reflection, dress rehearsal, family and elder celebration, recognition and the Rooted & Rising Ball.
FAMILIES, ELDERS AND MENTORS
No one makes
this journey alone.
Jewels Tea and Gents Breakfast put etiquette and family legacy into practice. A family and elder celebration brings generations together before the Ball. When a parent figure is unavailable, MWCO connects the participant with a mentor or elder.
Mentors complete background and reference checks and MWCO orientation. Youth communication takes place through approved group settings or channels that include a parent or guardian. Private contact, rides and gifts require MWCO’s written approval and guardian agreement.
Attire and support
The handbook explains workshop, rehearsal and Ball attire. Gowns require approval before purchase; tuxedo style and colors are selected by MWCO. Families may ask privately about the attire closet and formalwear assistance. Natural hairstyles and religious head coverings are welcome.
Awards and recognition
Recognition celebrates character, service, academic growth, legacy, presentation and participation. Scholarships or book awards depend on available funding. There are no individual ticket or ad-sales quotas.
HOW TO APPLY
Start the conversation.
- Send the Youth & Family Interest Form or email MWCO to ask about the current application deadline, interest meetings and available places.
- Complete the Youth & Parent Application, attach the requested report card or unofficial transcript, and request two confidential teacher recommendations and at least one community-service recommendation.
- Follow MWCO’s interview and acceptance instructions. After acceptance, review the handbook and complete enrollment permissions.
Email interest and application questions to events@mwcorg.org. Recommenders should return completed forms directly to MWCO using the instructions on the form. Do not post completed youth forms publicly.
Youth & Family Interest Form
Start here to ask questions, request an application or learn about an interest meeting. This is not the application.
Download PDF ↗Youth & Parent Application
Complete the revised application together and review its submission checklist.
Download PDF ↗Teacher Recommendation
Give a copy to each of two teachers. Recommendations are completed confidentially by the teacher.
Download PDF ↗Community Service Recommendation
For an adult who directly supervised or observed the applicant’s service. This is a recommendation, not an hours log.
Download PDF ↗Mentor & Community Partner Interest
Tell us how you can mentor, present, host a visit, support service or contribute resources.
Download PDF ↗HELP SHAPE THE NEXT GENERATION
Share what you know.
Invest in who they become.
Mentor a participant, lead a workshop, speak on a panel, host a site visit or service day, exhibit at a College Fair or Career Fair, teach etiquette or the arts, or support meals, space, attire, scholarships and sponsorship. Partners working directly with youth complete MWCO orientation; mentors also complete a background check.
Complete the partner interest form →