“What would it look like to intentionally walk alongside young Black men during the decade that shapes so much of the rest of their lives?”
The Critical Decade
The years that Shape a Life Time…
We believe the years between 14 and 24 represent far more than a transition from adolescence to adulthood.
They are years when young Black men are discovering and defining who they are, what they value, and the possibilities that lie ahead. They are years when countless decisions, both large and small, begin to shape the trajectory of a lifetime.
Our emerging Critical Decade Framework is designed to help young Black men—and the families, educators, mentors, and communities who walk alongside them—successfully navigate this transition from dependence to purposeful adulthood.
Areas of Focus
Identity
Purpose
Relationships
Education
Opportunity
Leadership
Service
our commitment
Walking alongside the next generation.
We're committed to helping young Black men navigate these defining years with greater clarity, stronger relationships, expanded opportunities, and an unwavering belief in their own potential.
Our Commitment Continues.
Our first ten years focused on shifting narratives.
The next ten will focus on shifting trajectories.
For the past ten years, The ExceptionAL Project has worked to elevate the beauty, brilliance, and humanity of Black men and boys through storytelling, community conversations, leadership, and partnership.
As we look toward the future, we're building upon that foundation with a renewed commitment to walking alongside the next generation of young Black men as they navigate one of the most consequential periods of their lives - the critical years between 14 and 24.
BE A PART OF WHAT COMES NEXT
Your investment helps us expand our capacity to walk alongside more young Black men as they navigate one of life's most formative seasons. Together, we're expanding opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and advancing The Critical Decade Framework.