Kevin Moody’s journey began in 2005 on a youth football field in Baltimore City, where he discovered his calling to mentor young people. That early experience led him to the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center, where he worked directly with incarcerated youth and saw the deeper challenges they carried: trauma, lack of guidance, and the weight of systems that failed them long before they failed themselves.
Kevin later taught financial literacy in local schools, but quickly realized the truth: money lessons weren’t enough. Young people needed connection, support, leadership, accountability, and someone to believe in them even when they didn’t believe in themselves.
That realization sparked what would become a movement.
In 2023, Kevin founded Preparing Youth for Tomorrow (PYT) to provide youth with mentorship, stability, and real world pathways to success. While our roots are in Baltimore, our vision stretches far beyond: to communities across the country and globe where young people deserve to thrive. PYT bridges trust between young people, law enforcement, and the community through relationship centered programs like Handshakes Over Handcuffs, Men’s University, our summer Impact Leadership Lab, and “GirlF.R.A.N.S” all of which are designed to build leadership, emotional resilience, and career readiness in youth (and adults) who are ready to lead and serve.
What started as one man coaching football has grown into a citywide effort that reaches schools, recreation centers, families, and community organizations across Baltimore. PYT now provides leadership development, emotional wellness support, exposure opportunities, and service based learning experiences that help young people see themselves differently… and see what’s possible.
The school-to-prison pipeline is a real issue for many youth. While it’s not PYT’s mission to eliminate it outright, our work helps disrupt the patterns that lead young people toward it.
We focus on mentorship, leadership development, emotional support, and positive relationships that keep youth connected, confident, and moving toward success.
Here’s how PYT puts that work into action:
Restorative Justice Programs
Mental Health Support
Increase access to mental health services within schools. Many students may experience trauma or mental health issues and providing them with appropriate support can help address the root causes of behavioral problems.
Training and Support for Teachers
Provide professional development and training for teachers and school staff to better understand the impact of trauma and how to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
Implement evidence-based programs like PBIS to encourage positive behavior and reduce the need for disciplinary actions. PBIS emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and positive reinforcement.
Addressing Disparities
Examine and address any racial or socioeconomic disparities in disciplinary practices and academic opportunities. Ensure that all students have equal access to resources and educational opportunities.
Community Involvement
Engage the community in the education system to provide support and resources for students and families. Collaborate with local organizations and leaders to address underlying issues such as poverty and lack of access to resources.
Alternative Education Programs
Establish alternative education programs for students who may be at risk of expulsion, allowing them to continue their education in a supportive and non-traditional setting.
Truancy Prevention
Implement truancy prevention initiatives that identify and address the root causes of chronic absenteeism, as it can often be a precursor to involvement in the juvenile justice system.
Data Collection and Evaluation
Regularly collect data on school discipline, attendance, and academic outcomes to identify trends and areas of improvement. Use this data to inform evidence-based policies and interventions.
Remember, reducing the school-to-prison pipeline requires a collective effort and a commitment to providing students with the tools and support they need to succeed in school and in life. It’s essential to involve students, families, educators, community members, and policymakers in the process to create lasting change.
What Drives Us
Our Mission
Preparing Youth for Tomorrow (PYT) strengthens trust between law enforcement, youth, and the community by providing mentorship, leadership development, real world learning experiences that empower young people to serve, lead, and thrive.