EDUCATION is the key to opportunity and is embedded in the mission of our organization. The 100 has been mentoring African American youth for more than 50 years and knows the importance of education to one’s life trajectory and the ability to achieve dreams. Although segregation in the U.S. ended over 50 years ago, significant inequities in public education still exist today. We consider the transformation of education as one of the critical civil rights issues of our time; and staunchly believe that all youth, regardless of race and socio-economic status, must have access to quality education to become ready to compete in a global society. Knowledge is power if you have access to it and can properly apply it.

Project SOAR: Student Opportunities, Access and Readiness, is our key education advocacy initiative. The 100 advocates for marginalized youth and their parents and guardians by addressing issues that are barriers to options and access to high performing public schools in their local communities. We bring these issues to the forefront by raising the awareness of our members and building broad-based national coalitions with synergistic organizations to drive implementation strategies in communities we serve. Our network of 100 Black Men Chapters provide student support and wrap-around services to help youth achieve successful grade level advancements, on-time graduation from high school and post-secondary institutions, and realize their educational, personal and professional goals.