Sixteen high school students from the Schenectady City School District took a significant step toward their futures on March 20 and 21, visiting the University of Vermont (UVM) as part of the Young Men of Talent (YMT) program. This initiative, developed by CFES Brilliant Pathways, aims to support Black and Latino male students who face disproportionate challenges in college enrollment and completion.

Young Men of Talent provides students with mentors, career counseling, and exposure to higher education and career opportunities aligned with their interests. “Before this trip, many of these students may not have considered their future paths,” said district counselor Ken Mayfield. “But after experiencing college life firsthand and engaging with mentors, they’re beginning to see the possibilities ahead.”

The need for such programs is critical. Black and Latino males are three times less likely to earn a college degree than their white, upper-middle-class peers. National trends show that men, particularly those from underserved communities, have been falling behind in higher education since the 1980s. According to the Pew Research Center, while Black and Hispanic women have significantly increased their college enrollment over the past few decades, their male counterparts have struggled to keep pace.

“These young men have the ability and drive to succeed, but often lack the necessary support and guidance,” said CFES President Rick Dalton. “Young Men of Talent is there for them—from the moment they consider college to the day they graduate.”

Mentorship is a cornerstone of YMT. “Meeting college students who share similar backgrounds helps our scholars relate and envision themselves in higher education,” Mayfield explained during the visit.

Among the students was Kristin Brown, who has already mapped out his academic future with his family. Aspiring to become a nuclear engineer, he is considering UVM alongside MIT and RPI. At UVM, he explored campus facilities and met with professors. “It’s been an incredible experience, and I’ve connected with amazing people,” Brown shared.

Isaiah Roberts’ journey took a pivotal turn when Mayfield called him into his office following a minor incident—not for discipline, but to discuss his goals. Now a student representative on the school board, Roberts is considering a career in social work or psychology. He believes YMT will be a game-changer for his college journey. “Everything I’ve heard about Young Men of Talent is positive, and I know it will open doors for me,” he said.

Led by CFES CEO Tara Smith, the students and their mentors engaged in discussions about leadership and personal growth. “Everyone’s path is different,” Smith noted. “College opens up opportunities that students may never have imagined, but first, they need the confidence and assurance that success is within reach.”

Brian Ledbetter, a Schenectady educator, highlighted the alignment between YMT and the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative. “Both programs create spaces where students feel valued, build confidence, and discover their purpose,” he said.

Schenectady’s involvement in YMT marks the beginning of what Dalton envisions as a national movement to dismantle barriers that prevent young men from reaching their full potential. Across the country, from New York to Hawaii, CFES instills essential skills—leadership, agility, goal-setting, networking, teamwork, and perseverance— qualities that are foundational for success but often overlooked in traditional education.

“Early exposure to college and career opportunities is vital,” Dalton emphasized. “By introducing mentorship and college experiences at an early stage, we’re paving a path toward success.”

Reflecting on the visit, Mayfield underscored its impact. “This leadership experience was not only educational but truly inspiring,” he said. “It opened our students’ eyes to what’s possible and helped them understand the steps they need to take to achieve their goals.”