MBK University
MBK University launched in August 2019 as an online space for local leaders to acquire knowledge and practical skills, promote innovation, share best practices, and cultivate authentic connections to advance their local MBK missions.
MBK University was conceived to achieve the following objectives:
Address the need for continuous learning, development and impact
Create common knowledge and shared understanding
Mobilize local leaders to assess progress and map measurable goals
Promote evidence-based models and approaches
Upcoming Courses and Trainings
If you are unsure of which MBKU courses your community should participate in or you are looking to start a new MBK Community, get registered today to start the MBK Certification process.
Onboarding for New MBK Communities
President Obama launched the MBK Community Challenge in 2014, calling on cities, counties, towns and Tribal Nations to implement a cradle-to-college and career strategy, consistent with the goals and recommendations of the President’s My Brother’s Keeper Task Force Report. Your community can also step up, take action, and commit to expanding opportunities for our kids in greatest need by adopting the principles of the MBK Community Challenge. So, what to do? Join us for an introductory call to learn more about MBK and the MBK Community Challenge.
MBK 101 Courses
Our 2021 learning opportunities support the work of new MBK Communities to generate public commitment and convene local action summits, conduct policy reviews, and launch coordinated plans of action for boys and young men of color. Below is a list of upcoming webinars, we will release dates in the near future. If you are not already subscribed to the MBK Newsletter, please subscribe at the bottom of this page to be notified as dates become available.
MBKU 101: Aligning Cross-sector Partnerships and Strategic Collaborations: Who should be at the table with you as you become an MBK Community?
The MBK Community Challenge charges communities with laying the groundwork to launch a comprehensive plan and commitment to boys and young men of color in your community. The first step in answering the call to become an MBK Community is making a public declaration, The second step is confirming your MBK Community Stakeholder Roundtable. Steps 1 and 2 require cross-sector partnerships and strategic collaborations. Join us for this MBKU 101 course to engage in a workshop that will walk you through this strategic process–allowing you to walk away with a clear plan of action to complete Steps 1 and 2 of the MBK Community Challenge. You will also hear from Local MBK Communities that have successfully aligned cross-sector partnerships and strategic collaborations.
MBKU 101: Conducting Your Local Data and Policy Review
The third step of the MBK Community Challenge focuses on conducting your local data and policy review. This requires your MBK Community Stakeholder Roundtable to scour local policies, programs, and metrics in search of ways to introduce or expand on existing efforts to better serve youth. Participants will engage in a data and policy review training and walkthrough with an MBK Community and additional data review expert–ultimately providing the strategy and tools to execute this review, and walk away with a clear plan of action to complete Step 3 of the MBK Community Challenge.
MBKU 101: Developing and Launching Your Local MBK Action Plan & Your Local Action Summit
The fourth step of the MBK Community Challenge leads communities to develop and launch your MBK Community Local Action Plan. This plan will serve as a living, breathing document that guides work, is reported out on, and is assessed and evolved as necessary. Participants will gain additional insights and strategies to complete their local action plan, as well as hear directly from an MBK Community about their journey launching their plan and honoring the ongoing work post-summit.
MBK 201 Courses
The MBKU learning opportunities support established MBK communities working to adopt the MBK Framework, strengthen local action plans for boys and young men of color, and build long-term sustainability plans. Below is a list of upcoming webinars, we will release dates in the near future. If you are not already subscribed to the MBK Newsletter, please subscribe at the bottom of this page to be notified as dates become available.
MBK 201: MBK Equity Framework 101
This course will delve into the MBK Equity Framework with participants–providing a high-level overview of the vision and intention of the framework, eight elements of success, and the ongoing use of this tool. Participants will have an opportunity to engage in 2-3 breakout rooms where they can explore an element of success in each room with a community strongly leading this work.
MBK Office Hours
MBK Alliance staff, national partners and guest presenters will provide expert advice, tailored solutions and support as MBK Community leaders work to complete the initial phases of the MBK Community Challenge, adopt the MBK Framework, develop or refine action plans, and build long-term sustainability and funding models.
Topics:
- Public Commitment, Engaging Diverse Stakeholders, and Local Government Support
- Local Convenings and Action Summits
- Policy Scanning, Data and Measurements of Success
- Action Plan Development
- Engaging Diverse Stakeholders
- Building Common Vision and Agenda
- Creative and Practical Approaches to Evidence-Based Strategies
- Develop and Implement Systems Reform
- Shared Accountability, Data, and Measurements of Success
- Coordinated Leadership and Infrastructure
- Communications
- Funding and Sustainability
- Mentoring and Youth Violence Prevention
- General Inquiries and Questions
We want to acknowledge the following partners who shared their expertise and knowledge with MBK Community leaders: National League of Cities, Bloomberg Associates, PolicyLink and Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, StriveTogether, Thrive Chicago and Becoming A Man – Youth Guidance, Los Angeles County Division of Youth Diversion and Development, and Black Family Development.