What is happening to young men?

Young men are disappearing into screens, silence, and sedentary lives.

The reality

The warning signs are impossible to ignore.

These national numbers play out in our own community: young men who are physically inactive, socially isolated, and missing consistent guidance.

0 in 4

U.S. high school students get the recommended hour of physical activity every day

CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey · 2023
0%

of U.S. teens ages 12–17 spend 4+ hours a day on screens, not counting schoolwork

CDC National Center for Health Statistics · 2024
0%

of U.S. children live in a single-parent family

Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT · 2025
0%

of U.S. men report having no close friends—five times the 1990 rate

Survey Center on American Life · 2021
Our response

We turn each risk into a point of strength.

Fitness gets young men through the door. Consistency, mentorship, and real-world preparation help them build a different future.

01

Inactivity → Strength & discipline

Free professional training 3–4 times weekly builds physical confidence, healthy routines, and the discipline to keep showing up.

02

Isolation → A trusted adult

Every participant is paired with a vetted mentor for weekly meetings and reliable check-ins—the consistent presence many young men lack.

03

Uncertainty → Practical life skills

Hands-on courses in time management, communication, personal finance, and nutrition turn knowledge into everyday capability.

04

Limited exposure → A path forward

Business fundamentals, local employer connections, internships, and first-job opportunities give every young man a reason to aim higher.

The Leaders Lab model

A simple commitment. A compounding impact.

We do not screen for grades, income, or family background. We screen for one thing: the will to show up.

Show up

Join free, structured professional training and commit to consistent attendance.

Build trust

Meet weekly with a vetted mentor who listens, challenges, and follows through.

Learn for life

Complete practical courses that build independence and accountability.

Step forward

Connect with local businesses, career exposure, internships, and employment.

“
The gym brings them in. The mentorship keeps them coming. Knowing someone believes in them changes their path.
Marc MalajFounder & Executive Director

You can’t build a strong society on the backs of neglected youth.

Invest in them today.Donate

Invest in consistent mentorship, practical life skills, and opportunities that help young men build stronger futures—and a stronger community.