Warrior Academy: Expanding Opportunities for Young Men Across U Prep Schools

At U Prep Schools, our partnership with Warrior Academy continues to transform the lives of young men, particularly those in 9th and 10th grades, by equipping them with essential skills and support to thrive academically and personally. This mentorship program focuses on developing leadership, discipline, and self-identity while providing the tools necessary for lifelong success.

Core Values That Shape Success
Warrior Academy is built on four fundamental values:

• Discipline: Teaching self-control and achieving goals.
• Respect: Building empathetic and strong relationships.
• Leadership: Inspiring and guiding others with integrity.
• Resilience: Overcoming challenges with strength and perseverance.

These values empower young men to excel in school, foster stronger relationships, and develop the confidence to face life’s challenges.

A Holistic Approach to Development
The program emphasizes five critical focus areas:

1. Personal Growth and Self-Identity
2. Academic Achievement and Career Readiness
3. Health and Wealth
4. Community Engagement and Social Responsibility
5. Capstone Project

Students engage in weekly sessions, led by professionals specializing in male development and youth leadership. These sessions incorporate meaningful discussions, hands-on activities, and guidance from community leaders.

Building Confidence and Academic Growth
Students in Warrior Academy leave the program with a stronger understanding of their capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. This newfound awareness allows them to express their ideas confidently in classrooms and among peers.

Participants are grouped into teams that compete for the highest GPA, with the winning team sharing a $500 prize. Many students saw noticeable GPA improvements, underscoring the program's impact on academic success. On Fridays, a smaller group of students identified through the RRS system and feedback from the Assistant Principal received personalized support. This targeted intervention helped these scholars overcome specific challenges and thrive both academically and personally.

Expanding to More U Prep Schools
After its success at U Prep Academy High School, Warrior Academy is now expanding to five additional U Prep campuses, including two elementary schools and all three middle schools. This expansion will allow more young men to benefit from the program's mentorship, academic support, and personal development opportunities.

Russell Harris, Director and Founder of Warrior Academy, shared his excitement:
"We are honored and excited to expand our male mentorship program with U Prep Schools. Having worked in numerous school districts in Michigan and other states, I can truly say that U Prep is doing the real intentional work to help our young Black boys."

Creating Success Beyond Academics
Programs like Warrior Academy demonstrate U Prep Schools' dedication to holistic student development. By fostering academic achievement, self-confidence, and leadership skills, Warrior Academy is helping to create success stories within our school communities.

At U Prep Schools, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to shine. Warrior Academy represents more than a program—it’s a promise to our young men that their futures are bright, and we are committed to helping them achieve their dreams.