Masters and Mentors

The Problem

In Kansas, racial disparities in the juvenile justice system remain stark. Black youth are three times more likely to be arrested, six times more likely to be detained, and seven times more likely to be placed in secure confinement compared to their white peers. The numbers speak for themselves — in 2022 alone, over 6,000 youth were taken into custody in Kansas, with more than 500 in Sedgwick County alone. Even more alarming, nearly half of those in the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex require a behavioral health treatment plan.

Youth incarceration is not just a social crisis; it’s a financial one. Housing a single youth costs over $112,000 per year. Despite these costs, the system continues to struggle to offer the individualized support these kids need.

There Is a Better Way

We believe in investing in potential, not prison. That’s why we created Masters and Mentors: Youth Enrichment Strategies (YES) — a six-month program designed to educate, empower, and transform the lives of Kansas youth before they become another statistic.

Masters and Mentors: YES targets the root causes of juvenile delinquency through a powerful blend of:

Our program helps young people develop critical life skills, from emotion regulation and problem-solving to decision-making and success planning. These are the same skills that can turn a life around.

What Makes Masters and Mentors: YES Unique?

Mentorship: Youth are matched with dedicated mentors who provide long-term guidance, encouragement, and help build positive futures. Mentors commit for at least a year — because real change takes time.

Evidence-Based Curriculum (CBI-CY): Our program uses a proven cognitive-behavioral approach that helps high-risk youth change negative thought patterns, regulate emotions, and develop healthy relationships.

Chess Integration: Chess teaches patience, strategy, and foresight — all transferable to real-life situations. It’s a unique, hands-on way for our youth to practice the skills they’re learning in real time.

Community Engagement: We work with schools, local businesses, courts, sports programs, and colleges to open up a world of possibilities to our participants — offering exposure, experience, and opportunity.

Our Vision:

At Masters and Mentors: YES, we envision a future where Kansas youth:

We see potential where others see problems. We offer support when the system fails. And with your help, we can do more.

How You Can Help

We’re raising funds to expand our program and reach more youth across Sedgwick County and beyond. Your donation will help provide:

Even $25 can help a young person take the first step toward a brighter future.

Together, we can stop the cycle of incarceration — and start building futures filled with purpose, opportunity, and hope.

Donate today to support Masters and Mentors: YES. Help us turn potential into progress.

https://mastersandmentor.org