Our Program
we are
not an afterschool program…
We are a life program
We were founded because talk is cheap and action is the answer.
Since 2009, Next One Up has provided innovative services that go beyond the boundaries of typical programs to foster stability and create lasting change. We provide year-round, multi-year services that are unmatched in their breadth and depth.
what
do you do?
We transform lives, one student at a time.
how
do you do it?
Over Sundays, summer, and seasons, we engage young men early, challenge them consistently, and support them forever.
why
do you exist?
We exist to engage kids in resources and opportunities that are available- and to create the ones that aren’t- so they can forge their path to a bright future.
program pathway
11-18
years old
Show up Every week + every summer = surpass your wildest expectations
Forge a family with NOU
Commit to academic growth
Play a role in your community
Recognize and grow your leadership and personal skills
18-22
years old
Stay connected + Stay Focused
Stay connected to NOU
Commit to a post-high school path
Seek out opportunities for self improvement
Volunteer with NOU
22+
years old
give back + pull the Next One Up + wear the NOU badge proudly
Maintain your bonds with NOU staff and students
Participate in quarterly alumni gathering
Mentor with meaning
Create opportunities for others
programming aligns to vision
We are building the next generation of Baltimore’s Leaders
Promote Learning & Exploration
Foster a growth mindset where students develop a lifelong passion for learning
Create Community & Connection
Build a community of young people committed to self-improvement who share a similar mindset of ‘pulling the next one up’
Build Leadership & Vision
Help participants define and achieve their goals for the future and inspire the next generation of leaders
promote
Learning and exploration
NOU helps young men excel in their academic journeys but learning goes beyond the classroom and into the community. Students gain real life experience, become critical thinkers, and develop social consciousness through experiential and service-learning.
Programs & key services include:
Foundational enrichment courses in core subjects
Exposure to new sports and activities and personalized athletic assessments
Individualized educational assessment and tutoring
Weekly opportunities to “learn by doing” through experiences or field trips
Monthly opportunities for service learning in the Baltimore Community
Nutritional and wellness education
learning outcomes…
100%
high school graduation rate
200+
hours of academic enrichment each year
15
hours of service-learning each year
100%
of NOU participants participate in athletic teams
create
Community and connection
NOU provides long-term connection and relationship-focused mentoring. Our custom Life Skills Curriculum focuses on key skills that prepare participants to create positive life outcomes over the long-term.
Programs & key services include:
Curriculum focused on empathy, value based decision making, conflict resolution, and leadership
Trainings focused on mental health literacy, social emotional learning, and grief and loss.
Monthly group check-in meetings with college aged alumni
Interactive Financial literacy courses and tailored guidance on student loans, debt repayment, saving, and investing
Ongoing opportunities to build connection through positive competition and athletics
Uninterrupted support from professional mentors during the dynamic period of young adulthood (ages 12-25)
community outcomes…
100%
said NOU made them feel good about themselves
91%
said NOU made them strong enough to handle difficult situations
100%
of students participate in a financial literacy course
96%
said NOU made them feel more connected to their community
build
leadership & vision
NOU offers early and consistent counseling for students as they progress from middle school to high school and then set out on their post-secondary path. We create an environment that promotes early exposure to new opportunities and growth through conquering challenges.
Programs & key services include:
Counseling to help students identify their strengths and create long-term goals
Early exposure to through campus visits, employer visits, workshops, and career days
Authentic opportunities for leadership and teamwork through sports
Comprehensive counseling covering admissions, applications, and financial aid
Program to support the transition into college and ongoing college persistence programming to ensure successful, on-time completion
High school and college internship placements and support to provide real-world work experience
Career counseling and support for college students and alumni
leadership outcomes…
100%
accepted to college and 100% FAFSA completion
88%
matriculate to college, 10% pursue a workforce pathway
90+
hours of college immersion each year
90%+
full time employment among NOU alumni
