Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey, a high school teacher himself, spoke to a crowd of community members, teachers, and My Brother's Keeper fellows on Wednesday, celebrating the relaunch of Newburgh's MBK program.
"To the young men that are sitting before us, you are our most prized possession," Harvey said.
The My Brother's Keeper initiative was launched in 2014 by President Barack Obama to address the gaps of opportunity young men of color are faced with nationwide.
"We really have to address these needs of these young men. Men of color particularly young boys and young men, African American and Hispanic, their families make up the majority of the city of Newburgh so anything that we can do to plant seeds of greatness, seeds of success, nurture and support these young men, even mentor and sponsor them, that's super important," Harvey said.
Last year, only five schools in the Newburgh enlarged city school district had joined the MBK program. This year, 12 schools have applied.
"We're looking into tapping into our boys and really hearing their voices," said Superintendent Roberto Padilla.
One of those boys benefiting from the Newburgh MBK program is Nicholas Patterson, a senior at Newburgh Free Academy.
"It makes me feel good about myself, being able to represent my community, my family," Patterson said.
Patterson says he's hopeful MBK will change the lives of boys like him in Newburgh.
"It's like setting a goal of what you want to do from a young age, and it's giving you something to work for and it's something you enjoy doing," Patterson said.
In October, the state announced it would offer $7 million in grants for school districts who begin My Brother's Keeper programs in their schools.