Institute for Responsible Citizenship

The Institute's flagship program is based on five core beliefs: 1) men with the greatest potential should be challenged to pursue the highest achievement. 2) men who work hard to live virtuous lives and achieve academic success should be recognized and rewarded. 3) men who are destined for leadership should understand fundamental economic, constitutional, and ethical principles. 4) men who strive to make a difference can have a greater impact by working together. 5) men of character should be encouraged to pursue success as a platform for service to their communities, our nation, and the world. Each year, we select 12 of the nation's best and brightest african american male college students for an intensive two-summer program that includes high-level internships in their fields of interest, rigorous academic seminars, professional development workshops, private meetings with public and private sector leaders, a variety of social activities, visits to important institutions in Washington and elsewhere, and illuminating conversations around the dinner table. To date, more than 250 young men have participated in the Washington program. Five of them have been named rhodes scholars, and an impressive number have received other prestigious academic awards. Alumni are working in impactful careers that benefit others. And they are committed husbands, loving fathers, and Responsible citizens. During a session with the scholars, we estimated that more than 9 billion people will benefit from the careers of the 24 young men who were participating in the Institute's Washington program in 2023. The Institute pays all of the expenses of participation. We arrange internships, provide housing in a university residence hall, supply meals, and pay a generous stipend. Upon the completion of two summers, the Institute donates 20,000 for each student in investment accounts managed by ariel investments, the nation's oldest african american-owned investment firm. The goal is to give the scholars a head start on building wealth, so they sign an agreement not to access the funds for ten years. Because of tremendous demand, the Institute has established collegiate institutes in atlanta, charlotte, durham, greensboro, and new york. These programs operate during the academic year and serve students attending colleges and universities in those cities. These programs operate on saturdays and offer private meetings with some of the most prominent public and private sector leaders in those cities, personal and professional development workshops, and stipends.