Serving African American Males in Kansas City Since 2003
High Aspirations raises African American males’ aspirations by initiating innovative ways to improve the quality of their lives spiritually, emotionally, socially, and academically.
High Aspirations is a faith-based program which solely focuses on young African American males, ages 8 to 18. The program supports them in four areas: socially, academically, emotionally, and spiritually. HA addresses the lack of role models for African American males through mentoring. More than 100 young men have graduated from the High Aspirations program.
Our program is designed to place young men on a path toward becoming productive society members, loving husbands, and dutiful fathers. The following key components rotate throughout each month:
CHESS & STRATEGY develops critical thinking skills, strategy, and the value of patience.
LEADERSHIP & FINANCE includes an interactive speaker series on leadership, business, and African American history. In addition, mentees practice writing, public speaking, and debate.
COLLEGE READINESS exposure to college life through university campus visits as well as peer tutoring and grade card accountability.
COMMUNITY SERVICE teaches the importance of being good citizens through service.
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT develops morals and values that will guide them to become productive citizens
Founding History
Henry W. Wash, is the originator of High Aspirations, inc (HA) founded in 2003. Henry served as a mentor and board member from 2003 to 2012.
Henry came from a background very similar to that of many of the young men that participate in HA. He overcame his circumstances in large part due to the mentoring he received from two prominent Kansas Citians—Henry W. Bloch and the late Thurman N. Mitchell, KCTV5.
He gathered peer reviewed research to develop the organization while serving as a graduate teaching and research assistant at UMKC’s Henry W. Bloch School of Business. Henry's vision to return the favor is by changing the direction of the young men from the Kansas City urban core, resulting in a stronger community.
There are currently 94 young men participating in the program. More than 100 young men have graduated the program.
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Mentors Challenge
Honor your mentor at our signature event of the year.
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