The project is setting goals that include reducing truancy by 7 percent and raising graduation rates by 5 percent over three years for young black male students. It is also committing more than 2,000 hours of community service from all participants to local programs.

“As a community, we need to lift up our students, see their strengths and wrap our support around them, especially for our students of color,” Cheatham said in a statement. “The mentoring and support that Project SOAR will provide our African-American students will do that, and we are excited to work with the 100 Black Men of Madison to make the program successful.”

Three hundred students will participate in Project SOAR’s Career Academy and Success Academy. The Career Academy will teach students about career options. The Success Academy will focus on sharing information on issues concerning African-American male youths like relationships, gangs, school, family, the justice system and financial literacy.

Community organizations like the United Way of Dane County, CUNA Mutual Fund, African-American fraternities and sororities and more are involved. They will also collaborate with the Madison Metropolitan School District and the Madison Police Department.

Community members interested in participating in the project can contact 100 Black Men of Madison through its website.