Our Program

Empowering Boys Ages 6–18 Through Mentorship, Education, and Sports

At The Protégé Project, our program is designed to inspire growth, create opportunity, and foster lifelong success for boys ages 6–18 across Washington, DC. We combine mentorship, academic support, and recreational sports to form a powerful foundation for youth development—right in their own neighborhoods.

Our year-round program is hosted at North Michigan Park Recreation Center and is intentionally crafted to support boys in every stage of development from elementary through high school.

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🔹 Program Overview

• Days: Monday–Friday
• Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Location: North Michigan Park Rec Center
• Cost: Free to all participants
• Open To: Boys ages 6–18 attending school in DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia

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Why It Matters

Turning Vulnerable Hours into Valuable Growth The hours between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM are the most critical in a young man’s day. Without a safe harbor, these hours can lead to idle risks; with The Protégé Project, they become a launchpad.

We provide more than just supervision—we offer a “village” of positive male role models and a structured environment where boys feel they truly belong. By bridging the gap between school and home, our youth mentorship programs in Washington D.C. protect participants from negative influences and equip them with the resilience, character, and vision needed to lead successful lives.

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🧠 Academic Support

As a premier Washington DC youth empowerment program, we help our boys stay on track in the classroom through our specialized Washington DC before and after school programs:

• Academic Excellence: Homework help and tutoring in core subjects to ensure daily school success.
• Interactive Learning: Engaging reading challenges and math games that make education fun and accessible.
• Success Habits: Dedicated workshops focused on study habits and strategic goal-setting.

Holistic Tracking: Proactive academic monitoring through consistent collaboration with both schools and parents.

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🤝 Mentoring & Life Skills

Our trained mentors offer positive male role models and real guidance through our comprehensive youth leadership mentorship in Washington D.C.:

• Personalized Support: One-on-one and group mentoring sessions tailored to individual growth.
• Core Development: Focused training in character-building, leadership, and self-esteem.
• Emotional Intelligence: Practical workshops on conflict resolution and navigating emotions.
• “Real Talk” Sessions: Honest, age-appropriate dialogues regarding life choices, peer pressure, and future planning.

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🦺 Our Commitment to Safety

At The Protégé Project, the well-being of our youth is our #1 priority. We maintain a professional and secure environment for youth mentorship through: 

• Certified Staff: Our team is trained in youth safety protocols, conflict resolution, and first aid.
• Supervised Environment: Activities are strictly monitored to ensure a positive and bullying-free atmosphere.

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🏀 Sports & Recreation

We keep our boys active, healthy, and competitive through our premier Washington DC Youth Sports Programs. We don’t just teach technique; we use the playing field as a space to build elite character through:

• Diverse Athletic Training: Weekly sessions in basketball, flag football, baseball, and lacrosse designed for all skill levels.
• Elite Mentorship: Specialized clinics led by guest coaches, professional athletes, and standout college players.
• Competitive Growth: Seasonal tournaments and friendly competitions that promote healthy ambition.
• The “Rule Number One” Philosophy: Dedicated coaching on sportsmanship and teamwork, ensuring every participant respects the game, the referees, and their teammates.

We don’t just teach sports technique; we use the playing field as a leadership laboratory where respect for the referee and teammates is rule number one.

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🎒 Enrichment & Exposure

Expanding Horizons Beyond the Neighborhood We believe that a child’s potential is limited only by what they can see. Our program intentionally exposes youth to diverse environments and professional paths to ignite their curiosity and ambition:

• Future-Ready Foundations: Career exploration days featuring guest speakers from the tech, trades, and professional sports industries.
• Academic Aspirations: Guided field trips to local universities and colleges to make higher education feel attainable and familiar.
• Cultural & Civic Growth: Visits to world-class museums and community service projects that instill a deep sense of civic responsibility and global awareness.
• Networking & Engagement: Community events that connect our boys with local leaders and business owners, building social capital from a young age.

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📍 Serving the Entire Washington, DC Area

We proudly welcome boys from all quadrants of DC (Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest). No matter where they come from, our goal is the same: create a safe, supportive space for boys to grow.

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💬 Why It Matters

In the hours after school, kids are at their most vulnerable. The Protégé Project fills that critical time with purposeful engagement, structure, and belonging. Our program is a shield against negative influences and a launchpad for brighter futures.

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📈 Program Impact (So Far)

• Weekly engagement with 15–20 boys, expanding to 25–50

• 90% of participants show improved school attendance

• 75% report increased confidence and sense of purpose

• 100% of parents surveyed said they’d recommend the program

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Join us in making a difference. Whether you’re a parent, educator, donor, or volunteer—your involvement helps us create a village around every boy we serve.