Aprill 9th, 2025
The Bridge Builder Foundation and Uplift LA Institute led an impactful mentoring session for young men at King Drew Charter High School.
Presenters Charles Saunders, Marcus Bedford, and Rodney Jones guided students through a hands-on lesson on how to tie a tie and discussed the importance of dressing appropriately for job and college interviews.
The session included an open conversation about why professional presentation matters.
Students learned what to wear, how to prepare for interviews, and the significance of first impressions.
Following the demonstration, the presenters recapped the key points and invited students to share their takeaways.
The young men were engaged, asking thoughtful questions about tie colors and dressing for success.
Presenter Rodney Jones also led an important discussion on hate crimes — specifically how to recognize and report hate-based incidents in their schools and communities.
Topics included name-calling, racial slurs, and respecting others’ gender identities.
Jones shared the LA vs Hate hotline (2-1-1) for reporting incidents and reminded students they’ll be quizzed on this topic in a future session.
The day ended on a high note, with students gaining not only practical skills but also knowledge to help them become respectful and responsible young men.