Boys 2 Men Youth Outreach was established in 2005 by Mr. Cornell Gilkey Sr., but started in 2004.   Mr. Gilkey, supervising Custodian, observed the boys in the Oakland Unified School District, he saw that they needed guidance and attention.  He came to this conclusion through 30 years of experience in working with children, both as a counselor and as a coach, at diverse institutions including Mills College, Lincoln Child Care Center, the City of Oakland Parks and Recreation Department, and Alameda County Juvenile Hall.  His passion is working with children. When he saw this need in the spring of 2004, Mr. Gilkey began with his own funds to hire a few of the young men after school to assist as “junior Janitors”.  While working with the boys, Mr. Gilkey was able to talk to and guide them.  He emphasized the importance of Education, Family Values, Responsibility and Discipline.

 

OUSD employees observed the effectiveness of his positive efforts provided support.  In 2005, the name Boys 2 Men Youth Outreach was created, and a formal after school program including homework support and emphasis on Responsibilities and Family Values began.  Twenty boys were recruited during that school year in grades six, seven and eight.  At the start of the 2006-07 school year, based on the request from the students, parents and the principal, the program expanded, establishing a second group of boys in grades three and five.  The combined enrollments were 35 students.