The Agoge Project

www.TheAgogePorject.org

Mission

The Agoge Project's mission, as a Baltimore-based nonprofit organization is to use boxing, martial arts, and long-term mentorship as a vehicle to cultivate self-empowerment, discipline, academic excellence, and a sense of community in our youth in Baltimore City.

History / Background

The Agoge Project (TAP) is grassroots nonprofit organization, founded by a Baltimore City Public School teacher, that provides holistic and developmental support for youth to overcome the many barriers to their success in Baltimore. This is facilitated through multiple layers of support that focus on physical health development, academic growth, long-term mentorship, and life-skill acquisition. TAP’s participants are provided with boxing, kickboxing, Brazilian jiu jitsu, strength and conditioning, yoga, and academic support on a weekly basis. They are also provided with STEM related workshops around health/nutrition, building/construction, computer systems, web/graphic design, and life skills monthly.

Once a week each participant confers with one of the Agoge Coaches/Mentors to review their weekly progress report. The student progress report is completed by the student’s teachers, and it highlights both academics and conduct for the week; it is the student’s responsibility to make sure that it is completed and to come prepared to debrief with their coaches during Saturday’s practice. Students also create long-term and short-term goals for their personal growth which are monitored and adjusted as needed during these meetings along with laying out a weekly plan to help them achieve those goals. Academic support is provided by a certified teacher where academic progress is monitored via communication with the student, their family, their teachers, and their mentor.