Mentoring Boys | Sedgwick County, KS

From Incarceration to Inspiration: Transforming Lives Through Mentorship, Chess, and Cognitive Growth. 

"Life’s Chess, Not Checkers—Make Your Next Move Your Best Move."

Hope, Skills, and Support for a Better Tomorrow

Empowering Equity: A Path to Justice

We support African-American youth who have been affected by the juvenile justice system.

The Problem: A Broken System

Racial disparities in Kansas’ juvenile justice system hit Black youth the hardest. The stats don’t lie, they are: 

Times More Likely to Be Arrested than Their White Peers 
Times More Likely to Be Detained 
Times More Likely to Be Locked Up in Secure Confinement 

These numbers tell a story—one where the odds are stacked, and the need for change is urgent. It’s time for a system that’s fair, equitable, and gives every kid a real chance to thrive. 
But it’s not just about race. Behavioral health challenges are a major piece of the puzzle: 

45% of youth admitted to the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex need behavioral health treatment, showing how critical individualized care is for real rehabilitation and breaking the cycle of recidivism. 

Transform Today, Empower Tomorrow

We Use Chess as a Thinking Tool for Young Boys in Sedgwick County, KS, to Lead Better Lives

Imagine a world where every young person has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the challenges they face. At Masters and Mentors: Youth Enrichment Strategies (YES) Inc., we are making this vision a reality.

We’re here to transform at-risk and justice-involved youth into their best selves. Our programs focus on mentorship, cognitive development, and the strategic game of chess, addressing the challenges faced by boys aged 12 to 17 in our community.

We provide young individuals with the tools and support to make wiser decisions, manage their emotions, and achieve long-lasting positive outcomes. Learn more about our mission of mentoring boys in Sedgwick County, KS.

The Scale of the Issue

Over 6,000 kids were taken into custody across Kansas in 2022. 
500+ youth came from Sedgwick County alone, landing at the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center. 

Now let’s talk dollars and sense: 

$368 per day or $112,128 a year per youth—that’s the cost of keeping kids in the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex, money spent locking them up instead of lifting them up. 

And the time: 

The average stay in juvenile facilities jumped from 8 to 10 months between 2017 and 2019, with more resources drained while kids stay stuck in the system. 

This cycle of inequity, untreated challenges, and costly incarceration isn’t working. It’s time for a smarter approach—one that invests in our youth, tackles the root causes, and builds a system that’s about second chances, not dead ends. 

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Our Approach: Transforming Lives

At Masters and Mentors: Youth Enrichment Strategies (YES) Inc., our program incorporates evidence-based practices designed to equip youth with essential skills in emotional regulation, critical thinking, and decision-making. A key component is the integration of chess as a tool for rehabilitation, helping participants learn strategic thinking, patience, and planning—skills that translate directly into better life choices. 
We prioritize collaboration with schools, juvenile justice systems, and community organizations to identify and engage youth who would benefit most from these services. With mentorship and structured activities, our program creates a supportive environment that not only strengthens individual resilience but also provides measurable benefits to families and the broader community. 
By aligning with Sedgwick County’s vision for equitable youth justice reform and serving as an alternative to traditional punitive measures, we are committed to transforming lives and building  stronger, safer communities. 