TAMPA, Fla. — A national mentoring, leadership and development Initiative for minority males has been launched at 30 Hillsborough County Schools.

The 5000 Role Models of Excellence project was founded by Congresswoman Frederica Wilson to pair at-risk youth with positive role models.

The project was initiated by the Miami-Dade County School Board in March 1993, due to the realization that there is an ongoing crisis in the lives of many young males.

The project’s mission is to intervene in the lives of at-risk boys and to provide them with alternatives that will lead them away from a life of crime and violence.

Mentor Cliff Green is a 20-year Military veteran who was paired with student William Hoxter.

“Young Black men; they should all have this opportunity, so i feel honored,” said William, an aspiring music artist.

They participated in a tie-tying ceremony at Jefferson High School which expresses their commitment to the program.

Students participate in various cultural and educational experiences including college tours, leadership development workshops and career training

To date, over 200 young men in Hillsborough County have participated in the program.

“Just to impact a young man’s life, there is no better feeling,” said Cliff Green.

Over 50 young men in Hillsborough County are currently enrolled in the program for at-risk youth.

“I can only teach him what I know,. I can’t teach him how to be a man,” said Shatoya Johnson who says the program has had an impact on her son.

“I am super excited! He came such a long way from a single mom home. His father is in prison. So, this is a great program,” she added.

Her 15-year-old, Amazhae Bird wants to be a real estate agent.

“Meeting people with different careers encouraged me to things I never thought I would do,” said Bird.

It’s because of this overwhelming support Amazhae and William believe they’ll have a better chance at making an impact in their communities.