Black men bring perspective.

He is Me was founded on the belief that education can impact the outcome of a young boys life.

Founder Robert Hendricks assumed a school leadership position in a Boston high school. Serving in previous roles, he was better positioned to see flaws in the education space that resulted in few Black male teachers, despite their positive impact.

2015

They frequently reflect on the intersection between their personal identities, their experiences as students, and the impact that they now have in our programs. This combination of experience and reflection empowers our fellows to obtain and retain careers in education.

2015

He is Me Institute, Inc. was founded with a mission to empower Black men to obtain and retain careers in STEAM education.

2018

He is Me was selected as a venture the NewSchools Venture Fund Diverse Leaders grant, which included a $200,000 award. He is Me was also supported with a $10,000 grant and guidance to pilot their program from 4.0 Schools.

2019

The COVID-19 pandemic and the national rise of racial tensions pushed He is Me to shift the focus from STEAM to social-emotional learning for boys of color in a virtual setting. The program was piloted by Black males from Profound Gentlemen.

2020

The Education Equity Initiative was launched to include entities within the entire education ecosystem. All types of organizations that impact Black men being recruited, retained, and retired from education collaborate locally to fill the pipeline.

2021

Our History

Rethinking
Recruitment
Retention
Retirement

OUR MISSION

Our purpose is to increase the number of Black men who discover long-term careers in teaching..

OUR VISION

Black households can attain financial freedom when they have the opportunity to reach their highest academic potential.

OUR VAULES

We lead with empathy, act with integrity, experience growth through struggle, and learn through reflection.

OUR DECLARATION

We cultivate ecosystems that help Black males thrive in all aspects of the school setting from K-career.

our why

Message From
Our Founder

ROBERT J. HENDRICKS III

We unfairly ask Black men to seek a career in a setting that does not appreciate or respect them. When schools do not act by centering the experience of Black males, there will continuously be a shortage of Black male teachers.

When we think about recruiting, retaining, and retiring Black males from schools, we need to act early.

The experiences that Black males have when they first enter schools, the opportunities they have in college, and the environments in which they work, all contribute to their representation in the field.

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