The implementation of a year-round Rites of Passage Program will help reverse the achievement gap for young black males in the rural black-belt south. We will ask critical questions, explore, and provide experiences in 4 intersecting domains: 1) the self: identity consciousness, immersion in black historical achievement, art, culture, and science, self-care, life skills, goal setting, critical thinking and problem solving, fitness, and spiritual development; 2) the community: civic engagement, collective work & responsibility, cooperative economics, consensus decision making, democratic processes, social transformation and the role of change agent; 3) the natural and built environment: principles of sustainability, the divine design, biotechnology, wind & solar, water catchment, observing and living in harmony with the cycles of nature;  and 4) career and vocational exploration: assess college and career readiness, administer interest surveys, explore career, technical, and trade options, skill building, job shadowing, field trips, and guest speakers.