Explorers Program

The Explorers after-school program empowers youth from some of Chicago’s most divested neighborhoods to discover the world beyond their blocks. Through enriching vocational, cultural, and recreational experiences we provide opportunities for growth, discovery, and inspiration.

For over a decade, My Block My Hood My City has shepherded young people to hundreds of sites across the city and around the globe, expanding their horizons and opening doors to a world of new possibilities.

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Since its inception, the goals of the Explorers Program have been to challenge preconceived notions, broaden perspectives, interrupt trauma, and create new opportunities for youth in disadvantaged neighborhoods on the South and West Sides of Chicago. We believe that exposure is the crucial first step in achieving these aims.
Isolation is a common issue among the young people we serve—many rarely travel outside their neighborhood, and some barely leave their block. By taking teenagers out of their comfort zones on educational after-school “Explorations,” they can experience the full breadth of what Chicago has to offer and gain a new perspective that fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their city.

Program Goals

Exposure is Key

Jahmal Cole talks about the Explorers Program with the legendary Phil Ponce on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight in 2017.

Impact

The Explorers Program measures impact through the 5 C’s of Positive Youth Development. Our Explorers and their peers complete a survey to confirm the program’s effectiveness across five parameters:

Competence: M3 exposes youth to academic and vocational prospects, growing their worldviews and ensuring they have a positive view of their abilities.

Confidence: As youth explore new environments and opportunities, they learn more about their own strengths and passions and gain confidence in what they can accomplish.

Connection: Consistent, positive, and reliable connections with adults and mentors foster meaningful social bonds that are critical for building resilience and a sense of community-belonging.

Character: Exposure to cuisines and cultures not present in our Explorers’ neighborhoods help youth develop respect, character, and a clear moral compass of right and wrong.

Caring: Service Explorations teach youth the importance of sympathy, empathy, and caring for others while positively impacting their community.

Success Stories

Meet Marquell

Marquell Washington was a 14-year-old freshman when he met Jahmal Cole in the hallways of The Collins Academy High School in the West Side community of North Lawndale.

Marquell lived with his family in one of the 43% of North Lawndale households that exists under the poverty line (more than double that of the city-wide average) and was in danger of falling into many of the same neighborhood trappings as his siblings.

With the mentorship of Jahmal and the structure of the Explorers Program, Marquell was able to graduate from high school and now works for My Block My Hood My City as a Program Intern assisting both the Youth Engagement and Community Development teams.

Meet Tiffany

Tiffany Payton grew up in the South Side community of Chatham, known equally for its classic Chicago block club associations as it is for its proximity to neighborhoods like Englewood—with a crime rate 125% higher than that of the city average.

Despite her hesitancy to travel beyond her immediate neighborhood, Tiffany joined one of Jahmal Cole’s very first Explorer cohorts and enjoyed a trip to the ABC 7 Chicago newsroom. It was there that she first discovered a passion that would transform into a career.

After graduating from DePaul University, Tiffany joined WNYT News Channel 13 in Buffalo, New York as a Reporter and Anchor and credits her time as an Explorer with fostering her curiosity and confidence to venture beyond the comforts of her community.

Sponsor the Program or Host an Exploration

Exploration hosts are expected to make a contribution of $1,500 to the program.
Explorations typically involve:
- Learning about the
  business
- A tour of the facility
- A hands-on activity
  (required)
- Opportunities for informal networking
- After school availability
- Ability to provide a hands-on, engaging activity
- Food on-site or delivered
While we encourage all our corporate sponsors to work directly with the communities they serve, you are absolutely welcome to limit your involvement to a financial commitment.