Ryan Detert Makes a $1 Million Donation to Empower Youth Through Mentorship Initiative

Empowering Youth Mentorship: Ryan Detert's Changemaker Challenge

In a significant move aimed at strengthening the future of youth mentorship, Ryan Detert, the CEO of Influential, has announced a generous donation of $1 million to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA). This remarkable contribution will support the launch of the Changemaker Challenge, an initiative designed to connect young individuals with life-altering mentorship opportunities. The program seeks to raise a total of $5 million, with the ambition to support 50,000 matches between mentors and mentees nationwide.

Having been profoundly influenced by his late mentor, Clayton Roth, who served as his ‘Big Brother’ for 30 years, Detert is inspired to give back. He remarks, “I know firsthand how mentoring can change lives. Clayton’s belief in me instilled confidence to pursue my dreams, and I wish for more youngsters to experience such support.” His donation is aimed at not only honoring Roth's memory but also fostering a community that nurtures the next generation of leaders.

The Changemaker Challenge, which will officially kick off on December 3, coinciding with Giving Tuesday, encourages industry leaders across various sectors—including media, marketing, and advertising—to contribute both funds and support to this noble cause. Alongside Ryan Detert, CEO of 3C Ventures, Michael Kassan, the challenge is set against the backdrop of BBBSA celebrating its 120th anniversary of enriching the lives of young people through mentorship.

The overarching goal is to raise another $4 million which will be allocated to impactful mentorship matches nationally. There is also a sturdy initiative to garner $100 million worth of in-kind media support, enhancing visibility for mentorship programs and increasing corporate engagement. The challenge aims to create a powerful platform for elevating voices and stories of youth mentorship to a broader audience, emphasizing its importance in achieving sustainable societal change.

Detert and Kassan plan to kick off the initiative with an exclusive event dubbed the Changemaker Bruncheon, which will be held in Tampa, Florida, during the Super Bowl week. This gathering will serve as an opportunity for corporates and individuals to deepen their understanding of the mentorship mission and declare their commitments to becoming Changemakers in their communities.

The Changemaker Challenge is not merely about monetary contributions; it emphasizes the significance of creating mentor-mentee relationships that offer guidance, support, and encouragement to the youth. Artis Stevens, the President and CEO of BBBSA acknowledged the poignant impact of Detert’s gift, stating, “This signifies how mentorship can dismantle barriers and provide essential paths for success.”

As Big Brothers Big Sisters continues its dedicated mission towards nurturing youth—enabling them to build confidence, pursue academic excellence, and thrive both personally and professionally—there is a clear delineation of how important mentorship is to the societal fabric. BBBSA has served over 230 local agencies, fostering relationships that have transformed the lives of many young people in all 50 states, defining its role as a cornerstone for youth development in America.

As the Changemaker Challenge unfolds, there is hope that Detert's inspiring story and his advocacy for youth mentorship will galvanize wider support. Leaders across industries are urged to join in this initiative with the belief that every young person deserves the chance, encouragement, and resources to reach their potential. For more information on participation and to contribute, interested parties can visit www.bbbsa.org.

In a world where mentorship's power can profoundly shape future leaders, Ryan Detert's commitment serves both as a call to action and a reminder of the change that dedication to youth mentorship can ignite.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the largest and most recognized youth mentoring organization in the U.S. Its objective is to cultivate one-to-one mentorship relationships that unlock the potential of youth. With proven outcomes in various key development areas, BBBSA remains a vital resource for young individuals nationwide.