Building Future Leaders: The Impact of the 2025 Steve Harvey Boys Mentoring Program
By Hannah Cassimere, Executive Director, Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation
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As the Executive Director of the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the unparalleled transformation that takes place each year during the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men. In 2025, our program reached new heights, combining longstanding principles of mentorship with cutting-edge technology, entrepreneurship training, and life skills development. The result? A powerful experience that shaped not just the minds but the futures of hundreds of young men from across the country.
At its core, this program has always been about more than just five days and nights of activities. It is about equipping young men, many facing significant life challenges, with the tools, guidance, and exposure they need to dream big and achieve even bigger. This year, we expanded those opportunities by introducing innovative technology partnerships, entrepreneurship training, and financial literacy education, ensuring that our mentees left with both inspiration and practical skills for the 21st century.
One of the most exciting additions to the 2025 program was the GA AIM 53-foot AI Mobile Studio, which brought Artificial Intelligence tools directly to our boys. For many, this was their first hands-on experience with emerging technologies shaping industries worldwide. From exploring how AI can support careers in science, engineering, and business to learning how technology can be a tool for creativity and problem-solving, the excitement on their faces said it all, this was the future, and they belonged in it.
Our partnership with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) added another powerful layer. RICE entrepreneurs shared personal stories of building businesses from the ground up, teaching our young men how to identify opportunities, develop business ideas, and pitch them effectively. These sessions culminated in our first Youth Pitch Competition, where participants presented real business concepts to a panel of entrepreneurs and mentors. The confidence, creativity, and courage they displayed showed us exactly why investing in their futures is so critical.
This year, we were also proud to expand our focus on financial literacy through a partnership with Chase Bank. Their team led engaging, age-appropriate sessions teaching the basics of money management, budgeting, saving, and financial planning, skills every young man needs to build independence and long-term success.Another exciting addition to the program was the College & Career Fair, which exposed our young men to higher education institutions and corporate partners eager to invest in the next generation. Representatives from Morehouse College, Texas A&M University, Trilith Institute, Hyatt, Lowe’s, and other organizations shared opportunities, internships, and pathways for success after high school, helping participants envision tangible next steps in their academic and career journeys.
Beyond the technology, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and career readiness training, the program remained anchored in our core mission: teaching character, leadership, and responsibility. Through workshops, bonding activities, and sessions with role models, including Mr. Harvey everyday, our young men learned lessons about manhood, perseverance, and purpose that will last a lifetime.
The impact of the 2025 Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men cannot be measured in numbers alone. It lives in the stories of young men who left with renewed confidence, in the parents who saw their sons return home inspired, and in the future leaders who will one day say, “This program changed my life.”As we look ahead, the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation remains committed to breaking barriers, expanding opportunities, and equipping our youth for success, because when we invest in the next generation, we invest in a brighter future for us all.
“This was the best camp we’ve had in years ~ Powerful Great Job!”Steve Harvey ~ Founder“
We are always happy to assist any way that we can. Thank you all for the great work that you’re doing in the community.”Brooke L. Gladney ~ Hawks
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“We first want to thank you for your partnership; our Community Managers shared their excitement in each one of the June activations. Thank you so much!”Aschten Waters ~ Chase Bank
“I want to thank you for a great experience. Congratulations for putting on a successful camp.“Jason Clark ~ Mielle Cares
“Thank you for the opportunity to add value to the lives of the young men who participated in this year’s SMHF Mentoring Camp. It is always a pleasure working with you and your team. Thanks for going out of your way to accommodate me and make sure I had everything I needed to have a successful presentation. I look forward to us continuing to work together in the future.” Dr. Alex Ellis ~ Tied to Greatness
Thank you for allowing Georgia AIM to be a part of such a meaningful and successful activation in partnership with the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation for multiple engagements. We look forward to continued collaboration in the future!”Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs Team “
You and your team were so lovely to us on Saturday. Thank you for spending time with us during such a busy day for you all and for giving us an in-depth tour of the foundation's campus. You all are doing God's work with the children. I'm so glad I was able to experience it first hand. I will convey how amazing it is to Bank of America leadership and that our sponsorship was well worth it.”Alicia Dunlap - Bank of America“
Job well done! My heart has been so full I can barely sleep. So much to bring to this fabulous foundation you created. Can't wait to share my thoughts with you, my new found mentor! Thank you so much again for having us, truly an honor!”Shanna Baker - CWI
“Thank you to my friend Hannah Cassimere Executive Director of the Harvey Foundation for the IMPACTFUL work you do in the community. You are transforming lives and mindsets.”Armelia Cartier ~ Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs Team