5000 Role Models of Excellence

The goals for the 5000 Role Models of Excellence program in BCPS are designed to ensure that the youth of Broward County are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experiences that will able them to thrive in mainstream America, while instilling in them self-confidence and self-respect.

• Goal #1: Place at-risk boys in supportive relationships with positive and successful men in the community who they can emulate.
• Goal #2: Systematically educate program participants about the consequences of succumbing to societal pitfalls and expose them to positive alternatives to self-destructive behaviors.          
• Goal #3: Provide a program infrastructure that will empower adult community role models to assume responsibility for preparing young men to effectively deal with the challenges and struggles that threaten their success.

  While serving on the School Board of Miami-Dade County, FL, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson noticed a pattern of young minority boys either being incarcerated, entering the drug trade, or dropping out of school. Not willing to sit back and allow society and poverty to destroy the lives of our children, Wilson began to challenge the men of Miami-Dade County to intervene in the lives of “at-risk” youth. Thus, in March 1993, initiated by the School Board of Miami-Dade County, the 500 African American Male Role Models of Excellence was born. Wilson’s vision gained immediate response from the community and continues to serve as a major force in the transition of raising young boys to become men. Through the expansion of this nationally recognized program, Broward County Public Schools has adopted this program in the 2017-2018 school year.

In its first year, the 500 African American Male Role Models of Excellence began to receive acclaim on the national scene being featured on “The Les Brown Show.” This exposure attracted many prominent Americans to become involved with the program. The list includes: United States Presidents: Barack Obama; Bill Clinton; George W. Bush; Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford; Vice President Al Gore; First Lady Hillary Clinton; Gen. Colin Powell; Governor Charlie Crist; Governor Jeb Bush; Lt. Gov. Buddy McKay; Senators Bob Graham and Bill Nelson; Celebrities: Danny Glover; Omari Hardwick; Malik Yoba; Charles “Roc” Dutton; Tommy Ford; Christopher “Play” Martin; JoMarie Payton; Tom Joyner; Tavis Smiley; Montel Williams; Harry Belafonte; and Dr. Bobby Jones; Singers: Gladys Knight; Eric Benet; Lou Rawls; and Betty Wright; Astronauts: Winston Scott and Charles Bolden; Authors: Jawanza Kunjufu; Leonard Pitts; Nathan McCall; Dr. Leah Tutu; Maya Angelou; James McBride; Dr. Randall Pinkett; and Dr. Alvin Poussaint; Sports Stars: Lestar Jean – Houston Texans; Udonis Haslem – Miami Heat; retired NBA players: Alonzo Mourning; Shaquille O’Neal; Billy Thompson; Irvin Thomas; and Isiah Thomas; retired NFL players: Oronde Gadsden; Keith Jackson; and Hall of Famer Jim Brown; Champion Golfer Tiger Woods; Activists: Rev Al Sharpton; Martin Luther King, III and Rev. Jessie Jackson

​In 1994, the name was changed to the 500 Role Models of Excellence Project. Given the increased enrollment of mentors and students it is now recognized as the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project. Adult Role Model men are trained to salvage “at-risk” youth, who are considered candidates for society’s endangered species list. Young males ages 9-19 are paired with successful professional adult volunteers, who provide advice, guidance and educational assistance.

The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project continues to skyrocket as it has received numerous awards and accolades, including recognized by President Barack Obamas’ “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative as a flagship program (2014), The Links, Incorporated Southern Area Services to Youth Award (2013), National Medical Association’s Scroll of Merit Award (2008), Florida’s First Union Kid’s Count Award (1998), Florida’s Promise to Youth Award (1998), and M-DCPS Board Magna National Award (1998), A Program That Works (2007), President’s Summit for America’s Future Teaching Example for the Nation (1997), HBO Worldwide Commercial (1997), National Conference of Black Mayors, The Bold and Blood Award Pennsylvania Legislature (1995), and Emmy Award National Black Journalist (1995). Congresswoman Wilson and the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project have also appeared on CBS Evening News, CBS This Morning, The Jerry Springer’s Crime Prevention Show, and in a (HBO)Documentary.

Founded in 1993 by Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson in Miami-Dade County, the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project is a transformative mentoring initiative focused on empowering minority male students. The program connects students with positive role models and provides structured support to promote academic achievement, character development, and leadership.

In 2017, the program expanded to Broward County Public Schools, beginning with the Hallandale Magnet High Innovation Zone. Since then, it has grown to serve students across the district, offering access to mentorship, college and career readiness resources, and life-enriching experiences, with 57 active 5000 Role Models of Excellence programs, district-wide.

Our mission is to ensure that every participant graduates from high school and successfully transitions into college, vocational training, or military service—equipped to thrive as contributing and self-sustaining members of society.

  Each minority male student will graduate from high school, go to college, vocational school or the military and be positioned to become a contributing and self-sustaining member of society.