Forward Promise

Empowering boys and young men of color to heal, grow and thrive.

Forward Promise aims to improve health and enable success in school, work, and life.

Boys and young men of color (BYMOC) are critically important members of their communities and contributors to society. Unfortunately, however, challenges with neighborhoods, housing, schools, jobs, and economic security often lead to limited positive options—and long-term challenges for health.

Forward Promise is an initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation which is working to strengthen the supportive networks and relationships that surround BYMOC and their families.

In communities around the nation, and in collaboration with numerous other foundations and organizations, the program is working to advance solutions and create "healthy villages" that enable BYMOC to grow up healthy and reach their fullest potential.

forwardpromise.org

Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ)

Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ)

Two boys stand on a sidewalk on a city street.
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Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ)

RWJF Forward Promise grantee NAZ surrounds young men of color with a supportive community to keep these boys from relying on themselves for security and acceptance.
RWJF Forward Promise grantee NAZ surrounds young men of color with a supportive community to keep these boys from relying on themselves for security and acceptance.

Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ)

Two boys stand on a sidewalk on a city street.
Play now
RWJF Forward Promise grantee NAZ surrounds young men of color with a supportive community to keep these boys from relying on themselves for security and acceptance.

Grants and Grant Programs

RWJF supports programs to help everyone in our nation have the opportunity to live healthier lives.

Learn more about our grantmaking

Related Content

  • Report

    A Time For Action

    06/05/2014

    Read the recommendations from 11 major foundations on how to improve health, education, and employment opportunities for young men of color.

  • Brief

    Investing in Boys and Young Men of Color

    02/01/2013

    Policies and practices that support young men of color in their teen years can help put them on the path to lead healthy and productive lives. Young men of color face more obstacles in education, employment, and health than their white peers.

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