Kid Power

Meet the Match: Graduation Edition 🎓

As we celebrate the Class of 2026, we're proud to recognize Jaharie and his mentor, Jose.

When reflecting on their time together, Jaharie shared one of the biggest lessons he learned through mentoring: “There’s always some good in everything, regardless of the circumstances. And there’s always something to learn, too, in everything.”

For Jose, mentoring was just as transformative. Through years of conversations, shared experiences, and mutual learning, he watched Jaharie grow into a thoughtful, determined, and fearless young man ready for his next chapter.

Congratulations, Jaharie, on your graduation and your journey to college. Thank you, Jose, for investing your time, wisdom, and heart. This is what mentorship looks like.

Meet the Match: Graduation Edition! 🎓

This week we're celebrating our nine seniors and their incredible journeys. Today we're shining a light on AJ and the mentor who helped him get here — Adam.

When AJ's mom first told him about the program, he wasn't sure about it. But, he took a chance and over the past two years, AJ and Adam built something that felt less like a mentoring relationship and more like a genuine friendship; one where the conversation always picked right back up no matter how much time had passed.

From DC Defenders games to Wizards seats, to talks about stocks, school, and everything in between, AJ and Adam built a bond that will live on well beyond graduation.

Congratulations, AJ! 🎉

Meet the Match: Graduation Edition! 🎓

With graduation coming up this week, we're reflecting on our protégés' time in our mentoring program and the relationships they've cultivated with their mentors. Today we're honoring Damon and the mentor who showed up for him in all the right ways — Chris. 💛

When Damon first heard the word "mentor," he expected someone who would nag him like his parents. What he got instead was someone who got his jokes, kept him on task, and helped him navigate some of life's stickiest situations. Over the past year, Chris and Damon built a bond rooted in mutual respect, shared humor, and a genuine desire to see each other succeed.

While Damon's high school journey is coming to an end, the bond he's built with Chris will live on through their inside jokes! Congratulations, Damon! 🎉

Meet the Match: Graduation Edition! 🎓

With graduation coming up this week, we're reflecting on our protégés' time in our mentoring program and the relationships they've cultivated with their mentors.

When Angel first started in the program, she wasn't expecting to get close to her mentor. She wasn't expecting to open up. But that's exactly what happened, and it changed everything.
Together, Angel and Rohita have stepped outside their comfort zones by exploring new cuisines, successfully solving an escape room, and ice skating for the first time! All while building a bond that allows them to be themselves and show up for one another in real, tangible ways.

Congratulations, Angel! 🎉

Meet the Match: Graduation Edition 🎓

This week we are celebrating our nine graduating seniors as they set off on their post high-school adventures! We celebrate their mentor matches, their accomplishments, and who they are today.

Two years ago, Dontae wasn't sure what having a mentor would look like. Today, he's graduating with a passion for photography, a vision for his future, and one more person in his corner.

Dontae and Ruben are one of many examples of what happens when the right person shows up and says, "let's figure this out together."

Congratulations on your graduation, Class of 2026! 💛

🎓 Meet the Match: Kamaiya & Taylor!

Some people come into your life already knowing who they are, they just need the right person walking alongside them. That's exactly what this match looked like.

Over the past year, Taylor poured into Kamaiya, and Kamaiya poured right back, showing up with purpose, preparation, and a vision for her future that inspired everyone around her.

Kamaiya is heading into the world ready to give back everything she's been given and then some. Congratulations, Kamaiya! 💛

Meet the Match: Graduation Edition 🎓

In less than a week, we will be celebrating our seniors graduating high school and taking the next steps in their lives. Today, we’re taking a special moment to congratulate Micah and Katy on their match and journey together.

Micah shared that Katy taught them “that you can build life long connections with people that are outside your race and education level.”

Katy shared how proud she is of Micah’s resilience. During a difficult school transition, Micah stepped into a new place, made new friends, got involved in so many organizations, and became a leader in their community.

We’re so proud to celebrate Micah, Katy, and the kind of relationship that helps young people feel seen, supported, and encouraged as they grow. 💙🧡

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Meet the Match: Graduation Edition 🎓

Today we’re celebrating Kendell and Becca, who have been matched for 3 years!

Their relationship is built on trust, encouragement, honesty, and care. Kendell shared that she loves how Becca knows when she needs “tough love” and when she needs softness. Becca shared how proud she is of Kendell’s perseverance, resilience, and ability to keep going through difficult moments.

As our seniors prepare for their next chapter, we’re honoring the matches who have walked alongside them, cheered them on, and helped them grow.

Join us in celebrating Kendell, Becca, and the beautiful power of mentorship! 💙🧡

Spring Break looked a little different for BEAM protégés this year. 🎨

While most students had the week off, our young people spent their Tuesday at the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden exploring one of Washington's most celebrated cultural spaces and then building their own nylon sculptures from scratch.

One protégé looked at a blank canvas on display in the gallery, surrounded by works that command silence and careful attention, and said: "What I made today could go in there."

It was said with a laugh. But it wasn't really a joke. It was a young person looking at a space and deciding, without anyone telling them to, that they belong in it.

By the end of the afternoon, protégés were calling their pieces masterpieces worthy of museums. We couldn't agree more.

This is one day out of a week where protégés were invited to learn, challenged to grow, and inspired to act, and we're recapping the entire week of experiences that changed how our young people see themselves and their futures. 💛