In an effort to create greater opportunities for success and break down barriers for students inside and outside the classroom, Irmo High School has begun a partnership with the United Way of the Midlands to bring Young Men United to campus. The program is designed to target young men of color who exhibit leadership capabilities and have a strong desire to develop the skills necessary to be successful during their time at Irmo High School and beyond.
The group held an interest meeting in the Center for Arts on Wednesday, October 10th, 2023. Thirty-five students attended the meeting, composed of students from the sophomore and junior classes. In order to be a member of Young Men United, students will have to formally interview at the United Way office in downtown Columbia. Twenty-five students from Irmo High School will be selected to participate in the program with the hope that larger numbers may be enrolled in future years. Students who participate in the program will work with a mentor to help determine interests for college and career readiness and help facilitate a pathway to these interests during their time at Irmo High School.
Young Men United is set to begin in the spring semester of 2024. We are excited to see the impact this organization has on our school and the Irmo community as a whole, and is a prime example of how we are fulfilling our school motto of “In ourselves, the future lies.”
