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Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc.America’s Premier Youth Leadership Program

Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc. (DYG) is a na-tional non-profit entity fully committed to addressing a myriad of multi dimensional issues permeating throughout the world. DYG of America, Inc. firmly stands on the principles of Manly Deeds, Academic Excellence, and Servant Leadership. Our comprehensive strategies encompass an innovative accelerated student curriculum designed to tangibly impact the quality of life.

The overall mission and purpose of DYG of America, Inc. impact significantly more then the students provided critical services in the form of weekly mentoring, tutoring, enhancement workshops and community engagement. Our students are trained and prepared to deal with generational cycles of ignorance, apathy, and a wide range of pertinent community issues.

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Raise college scholarship funds for minority male students and socially economically challenged male students graduating from high school.

Raise college retention scholarship funds for minority male students and socially economically challenged male students pursuing higher education.

Serve as an effective hub and networking outlet for talented minority male students.

Function as an accelerated training ground that develops and prepares the next generation of effective local, state, and national leaders.

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DYG of America, Inc. effectively addresses the following social problems:

Minority Male High School Dropout Rate & College Graduation RateTeenage Pregnancy and STD RateSelf Identity Issues that Create False PerceptionsHealth & Wellness DeficienciesEconomic Development & Financial Empowerment DeficienciesCultural Awareness and Professional Development DeficienciesCommunity Apathy for Political and Civic Engagement

DYG of America, Inc. strongly considers the following:

Students from single parent householdsStudents from low income householdsStudents with leadership and academic track recordsStudents with limited leadership experience and weak academic track records

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The VALUE of DYGA Measurable & Effective Student Core Academic Support System

DYG conducts a series of aptitude test/student interviews upon program entry to accurately evaluate all student deficiencies and strengths

DYG conducts mandatory academic performance assessments with every parent/guardian and student on a quarterly basis

DYG maintains consistent interaction with school guidance counsel-ors and administrators

Students receive interactive tutoring sessions and standardized test preparation materials

Students receive workshops on standardized test taking and confi-dence builders to achieve high scores

Students attend accelerated writing camps to improve their written communication skills

If a student needs additional assistance in a core academic area, addi-tional resources and strategies are identified to ensure student success

A Comprehensive & Measurable College Transition/Retention Program

Students are prepared for post high school educational pursuits and equipped with the necessary tools to be valuable assets throughout society

Program staff continues to track and support students post high school graduation via mentoring and the identification of life man-agement resources

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Effectively Training Community Advocates To Address Critical SocialProblems Impacting Our Community

Students are trained and prepared to deal with generational cycles of ignorance, apathy, and mediocrity

Implementing and Sustaining Comprehensive Community Impact Initiatives

Sagging Pants Campaign “Stop Saggin & Start Swaggin” CampaignGrassroots Financial Literacy CampaignHealth & Wellness Community InitiativeCivics & Americanism Initiative

DYG conducts interactive learning sessions to equip students with the necessary skills to address issuesDYG instructs students on the art of verbal and non verbal communication

DYG emphasizes the importance of servant leadership through applied service learn-ing experiences

Students learn how to appropriately address issues with clear objectives and measurable outcomesStudents develop a consistent track record of improving the quality of life throughout their community

Sustaining comprehensive community initiatives will provide the criticalframework for prospective large scale national grant opportunities

All allotted campaign/initiative resources are maximized and impactunderserved demographic/geographic areasStudents will effectively bring together community partners andstakeholders with invested community interest

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An Innovative & Measurable Peer-To-Peer StudentEngagement Module

Enhancing The Scope Of Student Exposure Via Science, Technology,Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)

Talented students are exposed to an array of STEM fields to address a national shortage of trained professionals

Local student talent in our communities are courted and retained via local area busi-ness mentors that have a primary STEM focus

Through consistent STEM Tutor Sessions the targeted academic focus prepares students with a diagnosed IEP (Individual Educational Plan) status to perform at a high level on standardized test

Providing students with academic integrated modern technology resources effectively meets students at their median to stimulate proactive learning

Low income students that are denied access to higher educational experiences due to rapidly increasing tuition cost, will be eligible for a larger pool of college scholarships

Students are effectively trained to lead their peer network groups via a wide range of vital areas including professionalism and social media etiquette

Student resources and services intangibly and tangibly impact a large network of stu-dents outside of the students receiving

Peer-to-Peer Engagement strategies provide direct access to students that are engaging in activities or practices that will negatively impact the future of our communities

Credible Peer to Peer Engagement strategies are more effective then traditional methods including out of touch adults providing information that doesn’t resonate with targeted students

Peer to Peer Engagement with minority males is the best method to encourage students for example to perform well academically and pursue higher education, dress appropri-ately and stop sagging their pants, and participate in positive activities throughout the community

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An Interactive & Accelerated Student Life/Character

Students are exposed to critical/situational thinking activities that improvetheir ability to focus and operate under pressure

Development Curriculum

Time Management SkillsDinner Etiquette SkillsMechanical & Technical SkillsSocial Media EtiquetteCrisis Management SkillsMoney Management SkillsCulinary Skills

Students are trained to interact with their female counterparts and understand the importance of chivalry as the key focal point

Students are delegated important leadership responsibilities to develop their organiza-tional management skills

Students are exposed to very high ethical standards that serve as a conduit for devel-oping leaders with a clear understanding and grasp of integrity

Leadership and Professional Development Workshops. All members are encouraged and trained to be effective school and community leaders. A database of school and community leadership opportunities pursued and completed by students are tracked and supported by Program Staff

Minority Male students need more then traditional program resources. They must have a strong sense of belonging and take great pride in their involvement and partici-pation to maximize all available opportunities

Utilizing a internal accountability system via elected/appointed leaders, students are retained and remain consistently engaged

DYG makes unscheduled and scheduled site visits to all schools to transparently em-phasize the importance of success

Functions as a internal hub for ingenuity and creativity initiated by critical positive interaction

Consistent Structured Interaction With Students To Minimize NegativeOutcomes & Detrimental Life Decisions

Students receive vital development via the following areas:

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National Summer Academy“America’s Cream of the Crop”24 gifted minority male high school students from around the United States are selected every year from a large competitive talent pool of applicants to attend the annual National Summer Academy. The competitive two-week academy features an innovative accelerated student curriculum encompassing the following aca-demic modules:

Financial Literacy/Entrepreneurship

Professional/Personal Development

Leadership/Communication

Foreign Affairs/Globalization

Advanced African Studies

Accelerated Curriculum Modules

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D.Y.G. National Summer Academy Accelerated Curriculum will accomplish the following:

Develop and implement strategies to provide effective leadership on critical issuesfacing our local communities

Create a hub and networking outlet for talented Minority Male Students

Function as an accelerated training ground that develops and prepares the next genera-tion of local, state, and national leaders

Teach relevant tangible life skills (oratorical, culinary, mechanical, technical, andetiquette skills)

Develop and cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit

Enhance social, professional development, and life skills

Teach financial literacy and wealth building strategies

Empower students through the teaching of Advanced African Studies, CommunalValues, and Foreign Affairs

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Broaden the intellectual capacities of all participants through reading andanalyzing relevant essays, poems, and books

Expose participants to high quality cultural, academic, and community-orientedactivities

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Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc.National Headquarters

The Bindhardt Center, named in honor of Margo Humphrey Bindhardt, was a national acclaimed fierce champion of arts and education throughout the United States and Canada. The original benefactor of Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc., Bindhardt played a critical role in the development of “America’s Premier Youth Leadership Development Program” prior to her passing in May of 2009. “Without the genuine love and empathetic spirit of Margo Bindhardt and the continued support of her family, Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc. would not be making the impact we are making today” said DYG of America, Inc. National Board Chairman Gallop P. Franklin, II.Via the strong support of vested community stakeholders, the Margo Bindhardt Center features a student computer center with updated academic and standard-ized test preparation software; a student academic support center with essential resources that support weekly tutoring programs and workshops; a student lounge area possessing interactive technology resources and amenities that consistently engage students; and a student friendly atmosphere encompassing student office meeting space and student development resources. Located in Florida’s Capital City, the Bindhardt Center provides innovative academic and leadership develop-ment resources for middle school and high schools students.

Please visit www.DYGOFAMERICA.org for a current listing of charted locationsapproved by the Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc. National Board of Directors.

Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc.National HeadquartersMargo H. Bindhardt Student Development Center

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DYG CHAPTER EXPERIENCE

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EVERY DOLLAR MAKES A DIFFERENCE NATIONAL CAMPAIGN

Community Stakeholders & Partners“There is a strong reason why The Links, Inc. continues our long term partnership with DYG said Linda Dilworth, The Links, Inc. Tallahassee Chapter President. We are fully committed to strengthening and en-hancing our communities in a tangible wayacross the United States.”

Contactwww.DYGOFAMERICA.orgPlease visit www.DYGOFAMERICA.org for the following:• Directors@DYGOFAMERICA.ORG• National Headquarters Address: 2334 Capital Circle North East, Tallahassee, Florida 32308• National Organization Mailing Address: 2606 Pottsdamer Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32310

@DYGofAMERICAInc Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc.

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Health & Nutrition Leadership ProjectFunded by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation (BCBSF Foundation) to address the causes of child-hood obesity, DYG successfully implemented a comprehensive and measurable health component to increase health & wellness for youth. The DYG Health & Nutrition Leadership Project engages youth leadership, access to healthy foods, and physical activity amongst youth via the following:

Receiving guidance and education on developing an eatable garden

Structured curriculum sessions on healthy eating and physical activity

Physical activity competitions/workouts

Annual Health Step Show Competition

Health and Nutrition Workshops

Goals:

Enhance the student’s knowledge on health, nutrition, and physical activity

Boost student’s participation in physical activities

Develop youth leaders on health and nutrition

Improve healthy food intake such as fruits and vegetablesPartners/Supporters

The Links, Inc., iGrow, Nathan Ballentine, Success Athletic Training (S.A.T), Earthfare Inc., Tallahassee Youth for, Change (TYC), Child Obesity Prevention Education (COPE)

Activities