Rites of Passage Program
A healing-centered, trauma-informed development journey for boys and young men ages 10–20. Built to interrupt cycles of trauma, hopelessness, and incarceration — early, before a boy's hardest moment defines the rest of his life.
Ages
10–20
Duration
12 Weeks
Planned Schedule
Saturdays 12–4 PM
Cohort Size
10–12 Youth
Why This Program Exists
Before the Pattern Hardens
Most intervention programs wait until a boy is already in crisis — already arrested, already expelled, already disconnected. By then, the cost is higher, the damage deeper, and the work harder.
Rites of Passage intervenes earlier. We reach boys at 10, 12, 14 — before hopelessness becomes habit, before the streets become a substitute for brotherhood, before the justice system becomes a pipeline.
We don't approach this work as a program. We approach it as a covenant — with every boy who walks through, and with the future leader he carries inside him.
Who It Serves
Eligibility
Program Structure
Three Developmental Tracks
Every participant is placed in an age-appropriate track with peers at a similar life stage.
Explorers
Ages 10–12Story, play, creativity; naming feelings; safety and belonging; foundation-building.
Initiates
Ages 13–15Identity, peer dynamics, emotional regulation, study skills, early service, and decision-making.
Stewards
Ages 16–20Leadership, facilitation, entrepreneurship, college/career readiness, mentoring younger boys.
Session Design
What Saturdays Look Like
Every Saturday is a 4-hour immersive experience — deep learning, hands-on practice, brotherhood, and mentorship.
| Time | Activity | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00–12:20 | Arrival & Ground | Lunch, music, breathwork, check-in circle |
| 12:20–1:00 | Learning Burst | Short teaching aligned to ASCEND stages |
| 1:00–2:00 | Practice Lab | Hands-on skills, role-play, creation, service design |
| 2:00–2:15 | Movement Break | Physical activity, games, outdoor time |
| 2:15–2:50 | Mentor Pods | Small-group reflection, goal-setting, accountability |
| 2:50–3:50 | Extended Activity | Guest speakers, entrepreneurship labs, service projects |
| 3:50–4:00 | Close | Wellness moment, affirmation, "1% Next Step," dismissal |
Expected Outcomes
What Participants Gain
What's Included
What Participants Receive
Mentor Pod
Weekly small-group time with a trained, background-checked mentor throughout the entire program.
ASCEND Curriculum
All 18 stages of the ASCEND framework across 12 weeks, with workbooks and materials included.
Meals & Supplies
The cohort model is designed to include Saturday meals and program materials for participants; final provisions are confirmed with each cohort site and accepted families.
Threshold Ceremony
A commissioning celebration with family, mentors, and community — marking the transition from participant to emerging leader.
Alumni Pathway
The program model includes continued connection, mentorship, and alumni opportunities as the Foundation’s post-program capacity grows.
Retreat Vision
The long-term program model includes a multi-day Father’s Day retreat bringing together participants, alumni, fathers, mentors, and community elders as funding, staffing, and safeguarding capacity allow.
Application Process
From Application to Alumni
Application
Submit your application online. All applications are reviewed by our team.
Interview
A brief conversation to learn more about you and answer your questions.
Acceptance
Accepted applicants receive a welcome letter with next steps.
Orientation
Meet your cohort, learn the program structure, and sign your covenant.
Program Begins
Your transformation journey starts. Show up. Stay committed.
Graduation
Complete the program and receive your certificate at the Commissioning Ceremony.
Alumni
Continue through follow-up, accountability, alumni connection, and future peer-leadership opportunities as available.
Impact
Rites of Passage By the Numbers
Metrics will be updated as the program launches and grows.
Coming Soon
Participants Served
Individuals who have completed a program
Coming Soon
Graduation Rate
Participants who complete their full program
Coming Soon
Volunteer Hours
Hours contributed by our volunteer network
Coming Soon
Community Partners
Organizations partnered with InnerCoded
Coming Soon
Success Stories
Lives transformed through our programs
FAQ