A Journey That Starts at Home

Last month, four young men from Newark—Marquise, Tamarrin, Shahid, and Tlaloc—embarked on a journey that once felt unimaginable. The group was selected to travel to Brazil, alongside peers from Chicago, as part of a broader cultural exchange between YouthBuild sites arranged by the national My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. This trip was more than just an opportunity to travel—it was the culmination of growth, mentorship, and resilience young people have gained through their time at YouthBuild Newark, an initiative of Newark Opportunity Youth Network (NOYN), which also manages My Brother’s Keeper Newark (MBKN).

For young men navigating the complexities of life, stepping beyond familiar borders isn’t just about seeing new places, it’s about seeing new possibilities for themselves. Before their passports were stamped and their flights took off, NOYN had already prepared them for this moment. Through its network of education and job training programs, as well as support and graduate services, NOYN provided them with the resources they needed to transform their lives. LEAD Charter School, an initiative of NOYN that implements the YouthBuild model of education and workforce development, ultimately prepared them for this opportunity that MBKN offered. 

Each of these young men came to NOYN at different points in their journey, carrying different burdens—educational setbacks, personal struggles, or the weight of trying to carve out a path in a world that often seems stacked against them. But through mentorship, leadership development, and access to opportunities that once felt out of reach, they found something invaluable: belief in their own potential.

"The connections I made through this program changed my entire outlook," reflects Marquise. "I went from not seeing a future for myself to realizing I had a world of possibilities ahead."

Tamarrin echoed that sentiment, adding "Before, I thought Newark was my whole world. But this opportunity introduced me to people who helped me see beyond just my city. This trip to Brazil was proof that the future is limitless."

Their journey to Brazil wasn’t just about experiencing a new culture—it was about understanding their own. In conversations with local leaders, they recognized the power of resilience. In moments of service, they saw firsthand the strength of community-building, reinforcing lessons learned through the YouthBuild model at LEAD Charter School. 

For Shahid, the experience was a wake-up call. "I realized that the struggles we face in Newark aren’t unique to us. People all over the world are fighting for better futures. Seeing that made me want to step up even more back home."

Tlaloc came back with a new sense of purpose. "Being in Brazil made me see how connected we all are. It also made me realize that I can be part of the change I want to see, both here and back home."

Now, as they settle back into life in Newark, the real work begins. The experiences they had abroad aren’t just memories—they’re blueprints. They return not just as young men who traveled but as young leaders equipped with a global perspective, ready to apply what they learned to their communities.

Their development didn’t stop at the airport terminal. It continues in the way they serve their community and push for opportunities that extend beyond their own success. They are living proof that when young men are given the right tools, they don’t just break barriers—they build bridges for those who follow.

Now back home, it’s clear that the impact of this journey will extend far beyond these four young men, as they transform not just themselves, but their families and communities. It` will ripple through Newark, inspiring the next generation to dream bigger, reach further, and know that the world is, indeed, theirs to explore.