Only 24% of K-12 teachers are men – just 1 - 10 in elementary schools
Many boys are growing up without male role models in the classroom or at home. This absence can leave them without strong examples of positive masculinity during critical stages of development.
Our Impact
Journeymen expanded their presence in Wake County schools during the 2024/25 season, establishing mentoring circles in four schools.
These circles served boys ages 12 to 17, meeting them at authentic men of integrity.
Blending intentional play with meaningful group discussion, each circle offered a safe space for connection, self-reflection, and shared growth. Boys had the chance to explore who they are and consider the kind of men they aspire to become.
Wake County Schools 2024-2025
87
+
Total number of boys mentored
24
+
Total number of vetted and trained mentors
53
Total sessions for the year
1231
Total in-school mentoring hours with youth
Trusted By
Journeymen is proud to support young men at these schools through bi-monthly intergenerational group mentoring circles.
What they are saying...
As Principal of Wake Young Men’s Leadership Academy, I am proud of the outstanding partnership we have developed with JourneyMen. Their commitment to mentoring young men and facilitating purposeful, character-driven programming has had a powerful impact on our students. Through consistent engagement, JourneyMen has created a space where our scholars feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow as leaders both inside and outside the classroom. Their mentors model integrity, emotional intelligence, and perseverance. Whether through club facilitation or one-on-one mentorship, JourneyMen has proven to be an invaluable part of our school community, helping to shape confident, purpose-driven young men who are ready to lead.
Xavier R. King
Principal
Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy
"The Journeymen has proven to be an incredibly beneficial initiative. It offers our young men guidance, support, and positive role models during a time when finding the right voices is challenging. The program also fosters a sense of community and encourages building self-confidence, developing leadership abilities, and making responsible choices. Although our students look forward most to the physical challenges, they return because of the connections the mentors have made through their transparency about their purpose and desire to see each student thrive in and outside of school."
Joseph Pettiford
Assistant Principal
Mary E. Phillips High School
Understanding the problem
Our boys are in trouble. They’re falling behind in school, withdrawing from relationships, and exiting the workforce.
Young men today are 15% less likely than women to earn a college degree, nearly three times as likely to be out of work in their prime years, and twice as likely to be single by age 30.
Richard Reeves describes a growing “identity vacuum” where boys and men are disconnected from not just opportunity but from purpose.
Today’s young men need stable, caring connections with adults—and exposure to diverse models of masculinity that may differ from what they’ve previously known
As a relationship-centered organization, we focus on building community and supporting healthy masculinity for young men who are seeking positive influence and guidance from adult role models.
14
%
Gap in school readiness between boys and girls at age 5
3
×
Boys are three times as likely as girls to be expelled
2 out of 3
Of those in the top decile of high school GPA are girls, whereas 2/3 in the bottom decile are boys
15
The percentage point gap between boys and girls receiving bachelor's degrees
Our school formulated a partnership with the Journeymen of the Triangle in March of 2024 and the impact on our male student population has been tremendous. Mentors have a true interest and desire to impact young men in a positive way. Our student population benefited from the programming and the relationships that were formulated with the Journeymen mentors. Having positive male role models come into the school and work with our young men has empowered our student population to make positive decisions and has supported the social-emotional development of our young men. I am so thankful for the Journeymen of the Triangle organization and their commitment in paying it forward to the next generation.
