PHILADELPHIA, PA- Sept 12, 2024: Rodney McLeod Jr., a former Philadelphia Eagles safety and current Cleveland Browns player, along with his wife, Erika McLeod, co-founder of the Change Our Future Foundation, are continuing their mission to make a difference in the lives of Philadelphia youth with the expansion of the organization’s “Next Man Up” mentorship program. The initiative, which supports young men of color in high school, will now be available at a second Philadelphia school for the upcoming academic year.
The Change Our Future nonprofit, founded by the McLeods in 2020, was created to empower youth through education, leadership, mentorship, literacy, healthy lifestyles, and community enrichment. Since its inception, the organization has made significant strides in giving back to the Philadelphia community through developmental programs and fundraising events like their annual Sneaker Ball and I Am Youth Leadership Summit.
Starting this month, Change Our Future’s powerful “Next Man Up” mentorship program will be expanded beyond its original site, Parkway Northwest High School, to include Furness High School in Philadelphia. Launched in 2021, the initiative is now entering its third year at Parkway Northwest High School and will be available for students at Furness High School for the first time this academic year.
“Next Man Up” is designed specifically for 9th and 10th-grade young men of color, providing them with mentorship opportunities that foster leadership, civic engagement, and community involvement. The program aims to serve as a catalyst for these students to become agents of change within their communities and leaders in closing systemic gaps in opportunities and outcomes.
“Next Man Up passes the torch from one generation to the next,” said Rodney McLeod. “With the wisdom of experienced mentors, positive male role models, and interactive workshops, the goal is to inspire, inform, and equip these young men with the tools and skills needed to navigate life’s challenges throughout high school and make informed decisions about their futures.”
The program covers essential topics including financial literacy, entrepreneurship, personal development, life choices, college preparation, career planning, relationships, leadership, philanthropy, and mental health.
“We started the program to help address generational stigmas and statistically low percentages of black male college students, teachers, and low on-time high school graduation rates among African American male students,” said Erika McLeod. “The program helps students understand the value of education. Good students become good husbands, good fathers, and good men. Next Man Up develops and motivates these young males to grab the torch of success for the next generation to follow.”
Rodney McLeod, a 13-year NFL veteran safety, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2017-2021, and Erika McLeod are both University of Virginia graduates. The couple holds a special place in their hearts for the Philadelphia community and a continued commitment to making a positive impact on kids and families there. Having benefited from positive mentors and support in their own lives, they are dedicated to providing the same for today’s youth with programs like “Next Man Up”.
The program will kick off with two open houses to accept applications: the first on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Parkway Northwest High School, located at 6200 Crittenden St., and the second on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 12 p.m. at Furness High School, 1900 S 3rd St., in Philadelphia. A welcome ceremony for the selected students will follow in October at both high schools.
In addition to the expansion of “Next Man Up,” Change Our Future has several upcoming programs for students of all ages in Philadelphia, including the 3rd Annual Youth Leadership Summit and the STEAM Fusion Program and City Tour. The McLeods are also preparing for their annual community empowerment holiday initiatives, including a Thanksgiving Turkey Drive and their “12 Days of Christmas” giveback program.
First & Jenn 
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