Since 1991 the NBMBAA LOT program has mentored more than 8,000 talented youth aspiring to become effective leaders, entrepreneurs, and change agents.

Malcolm X once said, “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” The Dayton Chapter of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), under the leadership of their president, Mrs. Barbara Stewart Bostick, help to ensure this concept is a reality for 9-12 grade students through its Leaders of Tomorrow Program (LOT). The Dayton Chapter is proud to continue the rich tradition of the NBMBAA of mentoring talented young people through the program. The program offers participants resources, knowledge and opportunities through mentoring relationships, scholarships/ tuition assistance, and internships. Since 1991 the NBMBAA LOT program has mentored more than 8,000 talented youth aspiring to become effective leaders, entrepreneurs, and change agents. The Dayton Chapter is honored to have as their partners Sinclair Community College and the University of Dayton.

Saturday, June 17, 2023, the LOT team, students, and family members celebrated the 2022-2023 program year success. The afternoon began with an introduction of Dayton Chapter president, Mrs. Barbara Bostick by LOT director, Ms. Carol Prewitt followed by a hardy welcome from president Bostick. Director Prewitt introduced LOT team members Mrs. Zerni Buxton, Ms. Jessica Jenkins, and Mrs. Tenille Love -Frost. Director Prewitt provided an overview of the LOT program followed by sharing a video “Your Mental Health” which focused on today’s youth mental health issues. Viewing the video allowed for honest, open discussion and the opportunity to have important questions answered.

After the video discussion, presentation of certificates and other acknowledgements were made. The following students experienced a rewarding year of gained knowledge, skills, personal development, and networking.

Participating students included:

Ja’Nae Evans – Dominion Academy of Dayton (rising 11th grader), Tamilyn James –Archbishop Carroll HS – Graduating Senior, Sarah Kuykendall - Northmont HS – Graduating Senior, Demetrious Martinez –Thurgood Marshall HS – Graduating Senior, Aaron Woodruff – Dayton Early College Academy HS (rising senior). They remained positive, inspired, and empowered. LOT students are imbued to succeed realizing a little progress each day adds up to big results for the future.

Ja’Nae Evans and Aaron Woodruff received Certificates of Participation and gift cards. Graduating Seniors Tamilyn James, Sarah Kuykendall and Demetrious Martinez received Certificates of Congratulations on their graduation and gift cards. The Tuition Assistance Awardee this year is Tamilyn James. She was awarded $1,500 and will attend Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business. Demitrious Martinez will attend Wright State University majoring in Art. Sarah Kuykendall will attend the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Aaron Woodruff and his mother will attend the National LOT Leadership Summit June 28 – July 2, 2023, in Fort Worth TX on the campus of Texas Christian University.

Aaron Woodruff and his mother will attend the National LOT Leadership Summit at Texas Christian University June 28 – July 2, 2023

The program year included monthly class sessions which provided educational content that focused on the five pillars of the leadership program: Leadership, Financial Literacy, College Preparation, Career Preparation, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship. Students received added value and inspiration from monthly speakers who specialized in a particular content area of the five pillars of leadership. Community service activities included helping needy families during the holiday and volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.

Thank you to all parents of participating students for supporting them during the program year. Congratulations to all students for their engagement and helping to ensure the program year was a success. Congratulations to the three proud graduates. Thank you to former participant Eryk Charlton who took the time to stop by to help celebrate the students’ success. Eryk attends the University of Dayton and is a McIntosh Award recipient. Everyone enjoyed an afternoon of enlightenment, fun, food, and fellowship.

LOT Team with former member Eryk Charlton

Thank you to all Dayton Chapter NBMBAA members, Sinclair team members, University of Dayton team members, and all others who continue to support the LOT program. Your support is sincerely appreciated.

Students in grades 9-12 are invited to participate in the program. Applications are now being accepted through September 13, 2023. For additional information regarding the LOT program, you may contact Ms. Carol Prewitt, Director at [email protected] or 937-2371639.

This article originally appeared on Dayton Weekly News and republished through its partnership with Elevate Dayton.