The mission of the Tavis Smiley Foundation is to enlighten, encourage and empower youth by providing leadership skills that will promote and enhance the quality of life for themselves, their communities and our world.


The foundation’s Youth to Leaders program focuses primarily on youth ages 13 to 18. Through the core training program, the Leadership Institute, youth learn to set goals, build positive relationships, network, make decisions and project planning. Studies show these skills provide a framework for youth to actively engage as citizens and to positively impact their surroundings. And, it provides important building blocks upon which a young person can develop his/her own blueprint or roadmap to ensure academic and future professional success.




PHOTO CREDIT: Kawai Matthews