WASHINGTON, D.C. — Earlier this month, the youth mentoring group Mentoring Male Teens in the Hood embarked on an impactful journey to Washington, D.C., where they visited historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and several key African American historical landmarks. The trip aimed to expose young men from Baltimore to new educational and cultural experiences—and for many, it was their first time traveling at all.
Founded by Cameron Miles, the program has long focused on empowering Black youth through mentorship, education, and positive role modeling. The visit to D.C. was more than a sightseeing trip; it was a hands-on lesson in Black history, social etiquette, and future possibilities.
“It bothers me that Washington, D.C. is so close, but many of our young men have never been to these sites,” said Miles. “For that reason, I felt it was important that we took this trip.”
A Journey Through History and Higher Education
The young participants visited notable landmarks including the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. For 15-year-old Ryan Thomas, the trip was a meaningful return to the capital after many years.
“I haven’t been to D.C. in a long time—since I was seven or nine,” Thomas said. “I liked it.”
One of his favorite stops was the Black history museum:
“It was nice to see my history,” he added.
The group also toured Bowie State University and Howard University, two prominent HBCUs. Miles believes that placing these young men in collegiate environments may help inspire them to pursue higher education.
“I believe that having the young men in environments of higher learning may just make them want to go to college,” said Miles. “I don’t want them to be a statistic.”
Over the years, the program has also taken students to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Duke, Syracuse, Columbia, and Hampton University, among others. While Miles values exposure to HBCUs, he stresses the importance of introducing students to a variety of institutions, including predominantly White institutions (PWIs), to broaden their perspectives and possibilities.
Teaching Life Lessons Beyond the Classroom
During the trip, mentors used every moment as a teaching opportunity. At restaurants, for example, the teens were taught dining etiquette—from how to properly use utensils to where to place a napkin.
“Do you ball it up and put it in your pocket while eating? Or do you fold it out on your lap so that it catches crumbs?” Miles said with a smile, describing the lessons.
A Mentor and Father Figure
A West Baltimore native, Miles started the program nearly 30 years ago, after serving in the military and working at the Department of Social Services, where he witnessed troubling behavior among youth.
“I just remember seeing young people coming in and out of the building, fighting, cursing, disrespecting workers and causing a lot of disruption,” he recalled.
Initially approved to mentor five teens at Coppin State University, the group now meets at the New Shiloh Family Life Center Complex. Miles credits early mentors like the late Rev. Harold A. Carter Sr. for shaping his leadership style.
“Just watching people, watching how they move, watching how they speak. You want to emulate yourself after people who are movers and shakers,” said Miles.
For young men raised by single mothers, grandmothers, or aunts, Miles serves as a mentor and father figure, helping guide them through school, social challenges, and life decisions.
“I like Mr. Miles. He’s very inspiring,” said Thomas. “He cares.”
A Life-Changing Experience for Young Men
The program serves youth ages 8 to 18, offering academic support, social skills training, and even language learning. Mentors accompany students to sporting events, field trips, and enrichment programs.
“At first, I wasn’t excited to be in the program. I don’t really like social things,” said Thomas. “But since being in the program, I’ve been more social. It gives me a reason to go outside. I love the field trips and my friends. It’s good to meet a lot of people who can help me with things for later in life.”
Looking Ahead
Mentoring Male Teens in the Hood is now preparing for its summer STEM program, held at New Shiloh Baptist Church from July 7 to August 8. Applications are currently open to young men ages 8–18.
As Cameron Miles continues to open doors for future generations, his mission remains clear: provide opportunities, offer guidance, and help these young men rewrite their narratives.
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