Community Connections Partner: Mentoring Urban Students & Teens (M.U.S.T.)

Since 2012, Mentoring Urban Students & Teens (M.U.S.T.) has been guided by its mission — to provide a space for Black males to liberate themselves through mentoring — with the intent of influencing the development of a society that supports Black males’ discovery of who they are and what they can achieve. M.U.S.T. programming is designed to challenge each individual’s perception of the world and their place in it, to inspire them to become empowered and develop the tools to liberate themselves. 

Upon enrollment in the M.U.S.T. mentoring program, Mentees are paired with relatable, emerging adult Black male Mentors who are in college or beginning their careers, to help guide and inspire the Mentee over the course of their high school tenure as they form a vision for their future and discover their authentic path in life. The Mentor/Mentee relationship is cultivated through weekly one-on-one meetings over meals as well as bi-weekly weekend outings with their cohort, quarterly events and large group outings. During the summer, Mentees and Mentors participate in workshops, community service projects and outdoor experiences that focus on establishing skills for setting themselves up for success, social-emotional learning, college and career readiness, and team building. 

A core component of M.U.S.T. programming is to expose its participants to places, spaces and experiences they otherwise would not have access to or feel comfortable exploring. This includes attending wilderness backpacking trips and science symposiums, skiing and snowboarding at Snoqualmie Pass, and visiting theaters and performing arts venues. These and similar experiences offer the opportunity for M.U.S.T. Mentees to step outside of their comfort zone and see the world from different angles, inspiring curiosity, creativity and new ways of thinking. M.U.S.T. would not be able to provide this type of life-enriching programming without the support of its donors and partners like the Seattle Symphony, which sees the value in M.U.S.T.’s work and responds by opening doors and hearts to M.U.S.T.’s Mentors and Mentees. 

“I learned that there is always support available, and the world is a lot bigger than it seems — you just might need someone to help you see it. I appreciate M.U.S.T. because it is a very safe community, and it allows Black men to connect and explore things they never thought they would see.” – M.U.S.T. Mentee and class of 2024 graduate 

Community Partner Testimonial: “The Seattle Symphony has been an impactful supporter and partner of M.U.S.T. for many years, providing access to its performances for countless young Black males.” 

Mentoring Urban Students & Teens (M.U.S.T.) is one of more than 60 partners in the Seattle Symphony’s Community Connections program, which provides complimentary tickets to nonprofit organizations across the Puget Sound region.