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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🧠 Academic Support

We help our boys stay on track in the classroom through:

• Homework help and tutoring in core subjects

• Reading challenges and math games

• Study habits and goal-setting workshops

• Academic tracking with school and parent collaboration

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🤝 Mentoring & Life Skills

Our trained mentors offer positive male role models and real guidance:

• One-on-one and group mentoring sessions

• Character-building, leadership, and self-esteem development

• Conflict resolution and emotional intelligence training

• “Real Talk” sessions on life choices 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 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 with:

• Weekly basketball, flag football, baseball, and lacrosse

• Sportsmanship and teamwork coaching

• Clinics led by guest coaches, athletes, and college players

• Seasonal tournaments and friendly competitions

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

We expose youth to experiences that expand their worldview:

• Field trips to colleges, museums, and local businesses

• Career exploration days with guest speakers in trades, tech, and sports

• Service projects to foster civic responsibility

• Community and family engagement events

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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.