Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) Company Profile

Background

Mission and Vision

Founded in 2013, Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number of young men of color (YMOC) who attend and graduate from colleges and universities. IYT envisions a nation where YMOC are overrepresented in higher education, underrepresented in the criminal justice system, and are leaders in their communities.

Primary Focus and Industry Significance

IYT addresses systemic barriers that YMOC face, such as the school-to-prison pipeline, which contribute to lower high school graduation rates and college attendance compared to their white peers. By providing comprehensive support services, IYT aims to close the college opportunity gap and foster generational change.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• College Preparation and Completion: Equip YMOC with the necessary tools and support to navigate the educational system successfully.

• Mentorship and Leadership Development: Provide near-peer mentorship to foster personal growth and leadership skills.

• Community Engagement: Involve families and communities to create a supportive environment for academic success.

Areas of Specialization

• IYT College Academy: Offers college and career preparation services to middle and high school students across multiple counties in California and expanding to new locations.

• IYT U/IYT CC: Focuses on increasing college graduation rates among YMOC at institutions like Sacramento State, UC Davis, and Los Rios Community College District.

Key Technologies Utilized

IYT employs a structured, scaffolded program with curricula addressing goal-setting, setting healthy boundaries, and combating toxic masculinity. The organization also utilizes app-based programs like IYT CC/U Virtual to provide services to members regardless of their college location.

Primary Markets Targeted

IYT primarily serves YMOC in California, with programs in Contra Costa, Merced, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, and Stanislaus counties, and has plans to expand to San Francisco, CA, and Minneapolis, MN.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a nonprofit, IYT relies on contributions and program service revenue. In the fiscal year ending June 2023, the organization reported:

• Total Revenue: $10,583,814

• Total Expenses: $9,966,628

• Net Assets: $3,489,417

Contributions accounted for 59.4% of the total revenue, while program services contributed 40.8%.

Utilization of Capital

Funds are allocated towards program services, including mentorship sessions, academic support, member development workshops, college tours, parent engagement, and college advising. A significant portion is also dedicated to salaries and wages to support the organization's staff and mentors.

Pipeline Development

Key Programs and Services

• Mentorship Sessions: Regular meetings between mentors and students to provide guidance and support.

• Academic Support: Study halls and tutoring to enhance academic performance.

• Member Development Workshops: Sessions focusing on personal growth topics such as goal-setting and leadership skills.

• College Tours: Visits to various colleges to expose students to higher education environments.

• Parent Engagement: Involving families in the educational journey to create a supportive home environment.

• College Advising: Assistance with college applications, financial aid, and course selection.

Target Conditions

IYT targets systemic issues affecting YMOC, including low high school graduation rates, low college attendance and completion rates, and high incarceration rates.

Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

IYT has demonstrated consistent growth and impact since its inception in 2013. The organization continues to expand its reach and services, with new sites planned for San Francisco, CA, and Minneapolis, MN, in 2024.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

IYT has developed a structured program curriculum that addresses specific challenges faced by YMOC, including goal-setting, setting healthy boundaries, and addressing toxic masculinity.

Significant Scientific Methods

The organization employs data-driven approaches to measure program effectiveness, including tracking high school graduation rates, college acceptance rates, and college graduation rates among participants.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

• Michael Lynch, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer: Michael has been leading IYT since its inception, focusing on strategic growth and program development.

• Michael Casper, Chief Operating Officer: Michael oversees the organization's operations, ensuring program effectiveness and operational efficiency.

• William Johnson, Director of Development: William is responsible for fundraising and development efforts to support IYT's mission.

• Candice Phillips, Chief Financial Officer: Candice manages the organization's financial health and reporting.

• Susan Wheeler, Secretary: Susan provides administrative support and ensures compliance with organizational policies.

Leadership Changes

As of the latest available information, there have been no recent significant changes or appointments within IYT's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The educational support sector for YMOC