A Spark is Ignited

Scott Impola
Dec 16, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Dec 17, 2024

Dear Friends and Supporters,

A spark was struck last month that’s left me excited and deeply hopeful about the road ahead for the Junior Leadership Academy Medellin. I recently visited a nonprofit in Comuna 13, one of Medellín’s most vulnerable neighborhoods, where 25 young boys—ages 12 to 14—gathered on a small soccer field. As soon as I arrived with their coach, Johan, the boys seemed drawn to us like a magnet. These are boys from challenging backgrounds, many without fathers, growing up surrounded by poverty, where the odds are often stacked against them.

In communities across Medellín, and around the world, fatherlessness impacts countless boys. Studies show that boys without active fathers are significantly more likely to drop out of school, face challenges with mental health, and struggle with crime or substance abuse. But with consistent mentorship and a nurturing environment, those same boys can become resilient, confident, and capable leaders.

And that’s why I’m thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the Junior Leadership Academy. Starting in February, we’ll begin a six to eight-month pilot program working with ten boys near the San Javier metro station. This program will provide them a space to grow, receive mentorship, and build skills that will help them stay on a positive path. This includes:

Mental Health Support – Building emotional strength and resilience.
Healthy Masculinity – Teaching respect, empathy, and integrity.
Academic Support – Ensuring they thrive in school and life.
Sports and Leadership – Fostering teamwork and self-discipline.

Our goal is to create an environment where they can truly be themselves, feel supported, and learn to become leaders/change makers in their communities and future families. If the pilot succeeds, we’ll expand to a full three-year program for 25 boys (Per year, so 75 total), offering long-term support and mentorship.

This will only be possible through your generous support. To make this happen, will you consider joining our Founders Club, where we’re looking for 100 monthly donors in 2025.

Will you invest with me in the next generation of leaders in Medellin?