ABOUT US
Level Up is a mentorship and community engagement operation that seeks to uplift and upgrade Baltimore City youth in all facets of life. This program helps youth develop pass the point of high school by teaching skill and promoting passions that dispel the social perception that views black youth as inherently criminal or violent. This program will address some of the trauma that is not considered when youth are labeled as troubled or at-risk. There is underlying trauma resulting from poverty, parental absence, abuse, neglect, and other factors that can be attributed to a child’s behavior, and Level Up addresses these factors by building conducive and appropriate relationships with other young adult mentors. These mentors teach, encourage, and engage mentees on topic such as conflict resolution, community service, entrepreneurship as well as academic and or career exploration, and they will be able to direct mentees towards any additional resources necessary. This organization will partner with schools, recreation centers, and other organizations to provide the support and assistance many youth individuals in Baltimore need. This support and assistance can come in the form of food, clothes, mental health resources, vocational support, recreational outlets, educational assistance, etc. Furthermore, Level Up not only seeks to upgrade the status and wellbeing of youth living in Baltimore, but it also pushes the surround communities to upgrade as well. Building a strong and well positioned child does not mean anything if that child resides in a community in distress, so Level Up will also organize various community engagement events and programs to help Baltimore City residents.
MISSION STATEMENT:
This organization seeks to help youth dispel the societal limitations and expectations that stem from the idea that being young and black inherently means your prone to violence and criminal behavior. To achieve this goal, we will provide youth in Baltimore with the emotional, educational, and motivational support needed to Level Up. This program will identify problems, determine solutions, and pull together resources for both the mentee base and surrounding low-income, under-served communities. Level Up’s envisions a youth population and community unburdened by poverty, the lack of support, mental health issues, inadequate academic support, and the lack of other resources and opportunities.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Key Program Takeaways/ Benefits: • Strong communication skills • Support system • Exposure to new experiences • Emotional support • Educational support • Positive black male role model • Leadership skill development • Assistance distinguishing and achieving career goals • Building on self-worth • Assistance on “real world” or “adult” issues • Building self confidence
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
The Background
Dayson Brooks is a Baltimore native who cares a lot about the city as well as everyone that lives in it. He attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and he is currently seeking his batchers degree at Coppin State University. Dayson Brooks was only 21 when he founded Level Up, but he has spent his entire professional life working with kids in a multitude of different capacities. He has also managed to work for and volunteer with over two dozen nonprofit organizations across Maryland. Dayson is a mentor, published author, political activist, and community advocate who truly care about Baltimore City youth.