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Pillars of Promise leaders ask Westwood Heights board to back expansion after year-one pilot
Summary
Program founders told the Westwood Heights Board of Education that a year-one pilot reached 22 sixth-grade boys, used five volunteer male mentors and plans measurable outcomes and partnerships to scale; board members pressed for assessment and long-term follow-up.
Dorell Blake, founder of the Brotherhood Alliance of Greater Flint, told the Westwood Heights Board of Education on June 3 that Pillars of Promise — a leadership initiative for boys — connected with 22 sixth-grade students in a pilot at McMonagle and seeks district support to expand.
The program, Blake said, centers on four developmental pillars: identity, purpose, discipline and resilience. "Pillars of Promise is an identity affirming leadership initiative designed to support boys from a social and emotional standpoint," Blake said, adding that the pilot relied on a committed crew of five male mentors who volunteered time each week.
Why it matters: presenters said the program aims to reinforce classroom engagement and long-term goal-setting by building social-emotional skills and mentorship at an early age. Board members pressed Blake and program staff for evidence of impact and a plan for continuation as students transition into middle and high school.
Blake told the board that the program did not administer formal pre-, mid- and post-assessments during year one. "We did not get a chance to implement it, and that is on me at this point," he said, adding that measurement is a priority for year two and that the program is forming a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters to help match mentors and track outcomes.
Corey Phoenix, director of the leadership initiative, described the program framework and said Pillars of Promise uses small-group work, team-building and a points system to reinforce positive behavior. Phoenix said the curriculum is intended to create progression across identity, purpose, discipline and resilience and to support staff relationships that sustain students through later grades.
During questions, board members asked about demographics and reach. Blake said most participants came from the North Side of Flint (citing several local ZIP codes) and that an initial roster of about 25 students ended the year with 22 participants. The presenters said they hope to develop an app, pursue partnerships and scale the model in coordination with school staff, but that funding for expanded work remains a need.
The presentation concluded with an explicit request for "support, time, space, and accommodation" from the district as the group prepares year two and additional measurement of outcomes.
