The “Why You?” Initiative [YU?] is a hybrid longitudinal support system that engages with students via an online platform supplemented by traditional face-to-face interactions. We serve high school students, post-high school students, undergraduate students, graduate/professional students and recent young professionals.
Re-engineering what it means to be a mentor & be mentored.
Over 150 students and young professionals have been impacted by our Longitudinal Centralized Support System (LcSS) model. This holistic model includes strategic mentoring, dedicated resources, specialized preparation, flexible approaches, iterative processes and culturally sensitive engagement. Many students are not able to benefit from such a robust system, join us in changing a life, building a smile.
Donate to todayStory About Us
The “Why You?” Initiative, Inc., founded by Drs. Renaldo C. Blocker and Antonio M. Daniels, is a growing national nonprofit organization established in 2011 to eradicate barriers to students and young professionals’ success by effectively delivering longitudinal support via a fusion of technological and traditional mediums.
The organization, with its corporate headquarters in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, provides comprehensive mentoring, academic, social, emotional, and professional support and development services and programs for high school, post high school, undergraduate, graduate/professional students, and young professionals in 17 states.
We pride ourselves on inspiring and assisting high school students and young adults in our communities to attend a graduate/professional school, 4-year college, technical school and/or public service academy (i.e. police, fire or paramedic) to gain the teleological acumen and prowess necessary to contribute affirmatively to society.
[YU?] is collaboratively building a genuine national network that truly benefit our students and young professionals.
[YU?] Documentary: "The First 10 Years of Impact"
Upcoming events
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07
Jan
2025
[YU?] Monthly Webinars
[YU?] Monthly webinars is a 45 minutes meeting ( can participant via Zoom) where [YU?] students/mentees are provided an… -
08
Jan
2025
[YU?] Monthly Board Meeting
[YU?] Monthly Board Meeting is for Board Members Only. Please contact the Board Chair if you wish to get… -
11
Feb
2025
[YU?] Monthly Webinars
[YU?] Monthly webinars is a 45 minutes meeting ( can participant via Zoom) where [YU?] students/mentees are provided an…
Become a [YU?] Student and/or Young Professional
We just don’t encourage you; we develop a plan to make you successful
Your boundless future starts here. Join a network of students, professionals, mentors and volunteers who all share one commitment: making a difference in your life. Along the way, you’ll gain knowledge, experiences, and friendships that last a lifetime. Please note that our admission process is very competitive, we only select those students that want to be helped.
Apply TodayThe Five Core Programs that are essential to the Longitudinal Centralized Support System.
1
High School Students
This program serves students attending an accredited high school. Students much be in 9th grade-12th grade.
2
Post-High School Individuals
This program serves individuals who graduated from high school and/or pursuing a GED. In addition, students interested in public service academy, military or vocational/technical school.
3
Undergraduate Students
This program serves students attending a 2-year or 4-year accredited university.
4
Graduate & Professional School Students
This program serves students pursuing a Masters, MBA, MFA, J.D., M.D., Ed.D, Ph.D and etc.
5
Young Professionals
This programs serves young professionals in their early career stages that needs help navigating the workforce.
Some of the success stories
Making someone smile is the most
beautiful thing in this world
Latest news from our blog
Want to discover more about us and what we do? Our news section is dedicated to delivering the latest [YU?] stories to you. Whether you’re a supporter or a curious member of the public, we’d love to share our latest stories and initiatives with you. Read about it here!