The program was started as a one-year pilot project of the Charleston Chapter of Jack and Jill of America in 1988, and graduated its first class in 1989. In 1990, the Council to Foster Male Leadership, Inc. was established under the leadership of Gail Blair, Dr. Delma Woods, and Dr. David C. Floyd. The organization’s program was named Beaux Affair and was designed to provide opportunities for African-American boys to be recognized and highlighted for their accomplishments. Most importantly, it became a boyhood-to-manhood Rites of Passage program.
A great deal of emphasis is placed on developing and enhancing character, leadership, and scholarship awareness attributes.
In 1995, the organization changed its name to the Charleston Youth Leadership Council, Inc. (CYLC, Inc.). CYLC, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that aims to promote and enhance character and leadership development in adolescent males transitioning from malehood to manhood.
Mission
Charleston Youth Leadership Council, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, promotes and enhances character and leadership development in males transitioning from malehood to manhood.
Vision
Our vision for the future is to make the CYLC Beaux Affair Program the premier mentoring program in the Tri-County area through programs and partnerships with other mentoring programs and service agencies. There are several key initiatives that we seek to accomplish:
1. Develop tutoring partnerships with local colleges in the Tri-County area where students may receive help in various subjects.
2. Provide funding for SAT and ACT preparatory classes to all students who participate in our program.
3. Develop relationships with local businesses that will provide internships and summer jobs for the program participants. Each student will be paired with a company he is interested in studying while attending college.
4. Provide scholarships for every participant who successfully completes the program.
