The Springfield City School District ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ (MBK) chapter is seeking national certification, nearly 10 years after its formation.
The MBK program was launched nationally by former President Obama in 2014. The program's six national milestones include prioritizing that all children are ready to learn when they enter school, graduating from high school and creating a community safe from violent crime.
More than 200 U.S. cities initially took the challenge to form MBK chapters in 2014, including Springfield. Of those still active, there are 37 that have attained certified community status – 17 in the Midwest and only 9 in Ohio. Communities can achieve certification by building an infrastructure that aligns with the MBK Framework, documenting their efforts online and receiving formal approval from the MBK Alliance. Upon attaining certification, chapters are eligible to gain access to funds from the MBK Alliance and take measurable action toward achieving the national milestones.
The Springfield MBK Chapter currently has 205 members in grades 4-12. These young men have regular meetings with mentors, have experiential field trips and learn valuable life skills in each of their sessions. Springfield has also added an extended chapter for female students, called ‘My Sister’s Keeper.’
“My Brother’s Keeper has blossomed into one of the premier student groups for young men in our District,” said SCSD Superintendent Dr. Bob Hill. “The relationships that form between mentors and mentees are absolutely invaluable, and you can see a noticeable difference in the maturity of those who are long-time members. I look forward to the continued impact that this chapter will have on the greater community.”