A Structured System for Real Results

The MetroVoice / Akili Youth Program is designed as a structured, hands-on development system that helps youth build confidence, leadership, entrepreneurship skills, and real-world experience through guided action and accountability.

Our programs include:

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• 4-month curriculum-based learning experiences

• Hands-on entrepreneurship simulations and real-world projects

• Leadership coaching and mentorship

• Team-based learning environments that strengthen communication and collaboration

• Community-based events, showcases, and fundraising experiences

• Personal development activities focused on mission, goals, responsibility, and self-awareness

 

A key part of the program is the Success Team Structure, where youth are organized into supportive teams that function like leadership groups and entrepreneurial units. Each team develops its own identity, works together on challenges and projects, elects' youth leaders, practices problem-solving, and supports one another’s growth. This structure helps students build teamwork, accountability, communication, leadership, and decision-making skills in a practical environment.

 

Through the Success Team model, youth learn how to:

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• Work collaboratively toward shared goals

• Lead and support peers

• Develop business and community project ideas

• Present and communicate with confidence

• Build responsibility, discipline, and initiative

• Create solutions for real-world problems

 

Youth do not simply sit through lectures or memorize information. They actively participate, create, lead, present, and execute.

At Akili Institute, youth do not just learn — they execute.

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MetroVoice / Akili Success Team Structure

A Youth Leadership Team Modeled Like a Corporation

The MetroVoice / Akili Success Team is structured to function like a real-world corporation, giving youth practical exposure to leadership, teamwork, accountability, communication, and organizational development. This structure helps students understand how businesses, nonprofits, and leadership organizations operate while developing confidence and responsibility in a supportive environment.

Team Structure Overview

Youth Team Members (10 Youth)

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The core of each Success Team consists of 10 youth participants working together as a collaborative leadership and entrepreneurship unit. Each youth member has responsibilities, project assignments, leadership opportunities, and team-based goals.

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Youth are encouraged to develop:

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• Leadership skills

• Communication skills

• Entrepreneurial thinking

• Problem-solving abilities

• Teamwork and accountability

• Personal mission and goal-setting

Team Coach (1 Coach)

Each team is guided by 1 Coach who serves as the team facilitator, leadership trainer, motivator, and accountability guide. The coach helps youth:

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• Stay focused on goals and assignments

• Develop leadership and decision-making skills

• Resolve challenges and conflicts

• Prepare presentations and projects

• Build confidence and discipline

 

The coach functions similarly to a corporate executive director or department manager who helps guide the overall development of the team.

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Mentorship Network (10 Mentors)

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Each youth participant is paired with or connected to mentors from business, education, entrepreneurship, leadership, or community backgrounds. Mentors provide:

• Encouragement and accountability

• Career and life guidance

• Professional exposure

• Networking opportunities

• Real-world insight and support

This mentorship structure helps youth build relationships with positive role models and expand their understanding of future opportunities.

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Parents as the Board of Directors

Parents and guardians serve as the program’s “Board of Directors,” creating a strong family partnership within the youth development process. Parents help:

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• Support team culture and accountability

• Participate in events and planning

• Provide oversight and encouragement

• Assist with community engagement and fundraising

• Reinforce leadership and growth at home

 

This structure strengthens the connection between youth, family, mentors, and the community while modeling how organizations operate collaboratively.

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Why This Structure Matters

The MetroVoice / Akili model goes beyond traditional youth programming by creating a real-world leadership ecosystem where youth actively participate in structured roles, responsibilities, projects, and decision-making processes.

Youth do not simply attend a program — they become part of a leadership organization designed to help them think, communicate, collaborate, and execute like future entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders.