Developing young Black men academically, socially, and personally—with a central focus on higher education and service to humanity.
Table of Contents
Program Overview
ELMP Mission
The Esquire Leadership and Mentoring Program (ELMP) is committed to developing young Black men academically, socially, and personally, with a central focus on higher education and service to humanity.
Our Vision
To prepare young men to become the most respected and sought-after socially conscious, college-educated, and high-achieving Black men who are leaders of our communities and families.
ELMP Program Staff
Program Director — Jared Clark
Provides overall direction and leadership of program components; trains mentors; manages scheduling, staffing, success seminar logistics, and program events; sends event reminders; approves and disseminates publications and information; serves as first line of contact for parents, principals, and community; manages finances and budget; and handles duties arising as the program progresses.
Assistant Program Director — Maurice Latham
Assists with program components and analysis; serves as second line of contact; handles logistics for social activities and community service; compiles publications including fall and spring newsletters; and performs additional assigned duties.
Program Coordinator — Matthew Coats
Manages the calendar and agendas for Success Seminars; establishes community partnerships; serves as first line of communication for mentors; champions the life plan program; analyzes program reports and student progress; serves as third line of contact for outside inquiries; and performs additional assigned duties.
Program Structure
Success Seminars
Life-skills–focused, interactive sessions that address academic, social, and personal growth and development.
Community Service Projects
Monthly service events coordinated by staff and Esquires to learn the value of helping others and the personal benefit of serving the community.
Group Social Activities
Wholesome, community-building activities—such as laser tag, college football games, and movie nights—planned throughout the program year.
Mentor/Esquire Connections
Planned interactions during activities and seminars to build relationships and guidance across secondary, collegiate, and professional stages.
Project Alpha
A collaboration of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the March of Dimes (since 1980) designed for young males ages 12–15, providing education, motivation, and skill-building around responsibility, relationships, teen pregnancy, and STDs. Delivered via workshops and informational sessions by Alpha Phi Alpha brothers.
- Share knowledge with factual information
- Change attitudes by motivating positive behavior
- Provide skills that empower and build self-esteem
Student Recognition & Year-End Awards Dinner
Annual recognition event honoring academic improvement of young males and awarding scholarships to graduating seniors. Esquires showcase skills (e.g., etiquette, public speaking) and receive certificates for service and academic achievements.
Tutorial Sessions (Optional)
Comprehensive K–12 tutoring offered in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the NAACP. Highly recommended though not mandatory.
Esquire Parent Outreach Team
Primary liaison between ELMP and families—assists with scheduling, event planning, communications, and publications; maintains consistent communication; coordinates planning; and provides timely responses to parent inquiries.
Theta Zeta Lambda Scholarship Fund
Graduating seniors are eligible to apply for scholarships to support future educational endeavors.
Goals
Esquires play an active role in planning and design to ensure the program remains youth-centered and empowering. Through feedback opportunities, advisory committees, mentor engagement, success seminars, life planning, and public speaking, participants build leadership, accountability, cultural pride, and confidence while exploring college, career, and civic pathways.
Black History & Cultural Identity Series
Core to Success Seminars, Community Service, and Social Activities, this series deepens understanding of African and African American history, cultural contributions, and leadership legacies, reinforcing pride, confidence, and civic engagement.
Objectives
- Highlight achievements and struggles across U.S. history.
- Connect historical figures and events to present-day goals.
- Foster cultural pride, identity, and purpose.
- Inspire leadership through study of trailblazers.
Monthly Themes (Nov–Jun)
- November – Our Roots & Our Fight: African kingdoms, Middle Passage, resistance
- December – Black Brilliance Behind the Scenes: inventors, scientists, educators
- January – Freedom Fighters Then & Now: Civil Rights & modern activism
- February – Leaders Who Inspire: politics, business, culture
- March – Black Colleges, Bright Futures: HBCUs
- April – Our Culture, Our Voice: arts, music, movements
- May – Hometown Heroes: Michigan role models
- June – Your Voice, Your Power: civics & participation
Interactive Elements
- Student-led presentations on Black leaders
- Panels with local Black professionals and historians
- Creative projects (poetry, podcast, visual art)
- Field trips to museums, landmarks, and events
Participation supports success goals in personal growth, public speaking, team engagement, and college/career readiness.
Duties, Roles, and Expectations
Mentor Expectations & Duties
- Initiate mentorship and establish boundaries
- Encourage academic and extracurricular achievement
- Provide wholesome, engaging activities
- Promote maturity, responsibility, and health
- Attend and support school-related activities
- Model healthy well-being; meet regularly
- Submit thoughtful, timely progress reports
- Serve as role model; avoid vices/inappropriate activities
Esquire Expectations & Duties
- Reciprocate mentor relationship and engage consistently
- Submit monthly progress reports on time
- Attend all program activities and mentor-led events
- Communicate desired activities with mentor
- Invite mentor to appropriate milestones/activities
Parent/Guardian Expectations & Duties
- Affirm desire and ability to meet expectations of time, attendance, and attitude
- Provide transportation to/from mentor program activities
- Communicate special needs before the program year starts
Participation & Absence Policy
Active involvement is essential. If an Esquire cannot attend an activity, he must call the necessary program staff with his parent/guardian before the event. An unexcused absence is one without the three-day notification.
Policy: Three unexcused absences from monthly Success Seminars—or five unexcused absences across other activities—will result in a review of eligibility for participation.
Measuring Success
Educational success includes academic achievement and holistic development: strong academic foundations, life skills, positive self-identity, and leadership leading to improved performance, graduation, post-secondary readiness, and informed decision-making.
Academic Performance
- Monitor GPA, report cards, and test scores
- Evidence of grade-level proficiency or improvement
- Participation in tutoring/enrichment; outcomes
- AI/tech activities that strengthen learning skills
Attendance & Participation
- School attendance and reduced absenteeism
- Seminar/mentorship and event attendance
- Completion of progress reports and life plans
- Active engagement in technology sessions
Leadership & Conduct
- Maturity, teamwork, respectful behavior, service
- Active participation in team discussions/projects
College & Career Readiness
- College/career exploration; tours/workshops
- Post-secondary planning and applications
- Resume/portfolio building; future-ready tech skills
Personal Growth & Self-Reflection
- Mentor/parent/school feedback and surveys
- Self-assessments: confidence, goals, growth
- Public speaking/recognition events
Engagement & Positive Reinforcement System
Purpose: Encourage engagement, celebrate milestones, and reinforce behaviors aligned with success goals. There are 20 criteria that award badges. Completing 10 Success Goals earns the Esquire Jacket. Goal completion must be verified by a mentor. Badges accumulate year-to-year for active Esquires; awards are presented at the Annual Student Recognition Dinner (May 2026).
Core Reward Categories
| Category | Success Goals |
|---|---|
| Academic Performance | GPA improvement; grade-level proficiency; tutoring/enrichment; AI/tech skill-building |
| Attendance & Participation | 90%+ school attendance; 70%+ ELMP events; life plans; progress reports |
| Leadership & Conduct | Maturity, responsibility, teamwork, respect |
| College & Career Readiness | Tours/workshops; plans/applications; resume/portfolio |
| Personal Growth & Reflection | Self-assessments; presentations; helping peers; creativity |
Levels & Recognition
| Level | Criteria Met | Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze (Rising Leader) | 1–5 goals/year | Rising Leader Achievement Badge |
| Silver (Dedicated Scholar) | 6–9 goals/year | Dedicated Scholar Achievement Badge |
| Gold (Esquire Elite) | 10+ goals/year | Esquire Elite Badge & Jacket |
Additional Tools
Each Esquire keeps a simple goal tracking sheet updated and monitored by mentors.
Success Goal Examples
Academic Performance
GPA Improvement
- Raise GPA through improved study habits and tutoring
- Move from failing to B-average using after-school support
- Improve math GPA via weekly study groups
- Perform well on major tests with proactive support
- Enhance a school project using tech/design skills
Grade-Level Proficiency/Improvement
- Score proficient on state reading after prior below-grade performance
- Advance multiple grade levels via focused programs
- Gain math proficiency through a STEM mentorship project
- Create a digital study guide with Canva/Google Docs
Tutoring/Enrichment
- Attend consecutive academic support sessions
- Complete a Khan Academy challenge
- Join after-school enrichment for writing
- Check in with teachers regularly
- Use AI tools to summarize reading and share with mentor
Attendance & Participation
90%+ School Attendance
- Miss only a couple days per semester
- Maintain perfect attendance for a marking period
- Earn recognition for attendance; be on time
70%+ ELMP Events
- Attend most seminars and community service days
- Join summer leadership events/workshops
- Contribute positively in GroupMe
- Volunteer to help set up tech/equipment
Life Plans & Reports
- Submit a 3-year academic & career plan
- Complete monthly reflection journals
- Turn in quarterly self-assessments with goals
- Tie progress reports to self-reflections
Leadership & Conduct
- Resolve a group conflict constructively
- Balance ELMP, school, and home responsibilities
- Choose study over social events before exams
- Complete household responsibilities
- Recognize mistakes and correct them
- Help younger Esquires learn a tech concept
- Use respectful language; welcome new Esquires
- Apologize and take responsibility when needed
- Encourage peers during difficult moments
- Create “Tech Rules” for fair play & online safety
- Lead discussions; ask thoughtful questions
- Present an AI/tech topic at a seminar
College & Career Readiness
- Visit colleges or attend vocational demos
- Attend financial aid/scholarship workshops
- List scholarships aligned with interests
- Learn about post-secondary pathways
- Interview a mentor about a career; write a reflection
- Draft a personal statement with feedback
- Create a list of colleges/majors
- Register for SAT; submit applications
- List career interests and training requirements
- Complete a mini project for portfolio/resume
Resume/Portfolio
- Create a resume with volunteer work, GPA, leadership
- Design a digital portfolio of projects
- Collect recommendation letters
- List skills and hobbies
- Apply productivity/creativity AI tools
Personal Growth & Expression
- Reflect on overcoming procrastination
- Share goals and growth areas in check-ins
- Identify emotional triggers & coping strategies
- Journal/audio/video on self-image
- Evaluate digital footprint; write tech-use pledge
- Identify weak tech skill; outline improvement steps
- Give a 3-minute leadership speech
- Present a science project to a panel
- Deliver a group Black history presentation
- Create a podcast on a meaningful issue
- Create digital art or video with statement
- Support a peer during a challenge
- Mediate a disagreement peacefully
- Seek help for stress; follow strategies
- Mentor younger students on decisions
- Keep a short journal after each seminar
Alpha Esquire Jacket
Esquires who achieve Gold level in the reward system (10+ completed goals) earn the Esquire Jacket, presented during the Annual Student Recognition Dinner. Click on the following link to view a sample of the jacket.
Alpha Esquire Jacket
Code of Conduct
- Always present yourself respectfully.
- Dress appropriately and according to required dress code.
- Respect elders; address as Mr., Ms., Ma’am, or Sir (unless otherwise advised).
- Be on time for appointments, seminars, classes, and events.
- Stay engaged in essential activities and exercises.
- Make excuses for nothing.
- Do not use foul language.
- Respect parents, fellow Esquires, and all others.
- Respect women of all ages to the best of your ability.
- Prioritize academics and aim for college.
- Listen first, think second, respond last (if at all).
Program Staff Contact Information
ELMP
Email: annarbor.elmp@gmail.com
Phone: (734) 634-2140 (Matthew Coats)
Website: https://www.annarboralphas.org/elmp-2025
Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Theta Zeta Lambda (Ann Arbor Alphas)
Email: annarboralphas@gmail.com
Website: annarboralphas.org