Expanding Assets and Steering Initiative (EASI): Culturally Centered Mentoring to Nurture the Development of African American Boys

Abstract Expanding Assets and Steering Initiative (EASI) was a project that utilized culturally centered after-school group mentoring to engage African American boys at risk due to various environmental factors. EASI was focused on promoting youth development by targeting social–emotional life skills and cultural knowledge that could reduce risk. EASI utilized a Pyramid Mentoring (PM) approach and therapeutic drumming circles as the primary tools to engage youth. Escalating iterations with different cohorts emphasizing lessons learned from previous iterations and different configurations of staffing patterns, culturally based activities, and positive manhood development components are discussed. The outcomes varied but the final iterations suggest the positive influence of techniques such as consistent therapeutic drumming, PM group facilitation, culturally relevant role-plays, consistent incentives, and a focus on building quality mentoring relationships. The EASI evolution included an increase in positive outcomes that are promising for the design of future youth development interventions.