24/7 Hotline: (978) 943-4544 · Salem, MA
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Afro-Latino–led nonprofit · Salem, Massachusetts · Est. 2008

Our Legacy is to Help Build Yours.

We empower under-resourced young men of color to rise with purpose, strength, and self-belief — through transformational mentorship, enrichment, and disciplined fitness training.

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A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit · EIN 83-1957280 · Every dollar stays in our community.
18
Years Serving Youth
250+
Young Men Mentored
1,400
Sessions Delivered
8
Enrichment Programs
What We Do

Three Gateways to Transformation

Members don't just join a program — they lead their own lives. Every pillar is built to develop confident, resilient, purpose-driven young men.

Mentorship

Relationship first, results second. Weekly one-on-one sessions, life coaching, and real-world exposure from mentors who reflect the community they serve.

Explore Mentorship →

Enrichment Programs

Kings of The 64 chess club, On The Same Page book club, Kings Round Table, Keeping It Reel film nights, mindfulness, and community service.

Explore Enrichment →

Fitness Rewired

Strategically designed training that builds mental toughness alongside physical strength — breaking negative habits and forging discipline and grit.

Explore Fitness →
Who We Are — From Grit to Greatness

Eighteen years of showing up.

In Salem's public schools, 57% of students are young people of color — yet too few grow up with mentors who share their lived experience. Since 2008, we've been those mentors.

2008
Young Soldiers is born

Founded on discipline, honor, and resilience — for young men lacking strong mentorship.

2018
Sports become the gateway

Rebranded as Young Soldiers Sports Group, using athletics to reach and engage teens.

2020
Beyond the game

Reborn as Young Soldiers Success Group — a complete youth-development organization.

Four early Young Soldiers members in team caps at a Salem school Young Soldiers players huddled together in red team jerseys before a game
2008FOUNDED IN SALEM
Programs

Every program is a gateway.

Mentorship, enrichment, and fitness — built to develop confident, resilient, purpose-driven leaders.

🤝

Mentorship

Weekly sessions and life coaching from mentors who reflect our community. Relationship first, results second.

Learn more →
♟

Kings of The 64

Our chess club builds persistence, discipline, focus, and teamwork — one move at a time.

Learn more →
💪

Fitness Rewired

High-intensity training that strengthens mental toughness as much as the body.

Learn more →
📚

On The Same Page

A twice-monthly book club sharpening critical thinking and comprehension.

Learn more →
🎬

Keeping It Reel

Film nights analyzing story, symbolism, and cinematography together.

Learn more →
👑

Kings Round Table

Weekly discussions on careers, mental health, diversity, and professionalism.

Learn more →
Ready to join?

The fall cohort is enrolling now.

Open to boys and teens in the Salem area. No cost to families. Applications take five minutes.

Apply Now — Free
Voices

The brotherhood, in their words.

“Through holding him accountable and teaching him the values of responsibility, YSSG has done an exceptional job in helping our brother find his inner talents and abilities.”

FM
Family of a MenteeSalem, MA

“They didn't just coach me — they saw me. The Round Table changed how I think about my future.”

M
Program MemberClass of 2025
Get Involved

Three ways to build a legacy.

Whether you give, mentor, or rep the brand — you're investing directly in Salem's young men.

1
Give. Pick a tier above — every gift is tax-deductible.
2
Mentor. Share your lived experience with a young man who needs to see it's possible.
3
Rep the mission. Every piece of YSSG gear funds programs.
Donate Become a Mentor
The YSSG Shop

Wear the legacy.

Legacy Tee · $35
YS Hoodie · $65
YS Beanie · $25
Shop the Collection 100% of shop proceeds fund mentorship, enrichment, and fitness programs.
Sign Up

Start here.

Pick the form that fits you. Someone from YSSG reads every one of these and will reach out. It takes about a minute.

Apply to a program

For young men in the Salem area. A parent or guardian should fill this out with you.

Give us at least one so we can reach you. Both is better.

We only use this to contact you about YSSG programs. We never share it.

Volunteer as a mentor

You don't need a background in youth work. You need to show up consistently.

Give us at least one so we can reach you. Both is better.

Mentors complete a short screening and orientation before being matched.