A journey from youth to adulthood — grounded in identity, leadership, education, and service. The National Action Network Rites of Passage Program prepares young people to know who they are, lead where they stand, and carry the movement forward.
Since 1991, when Rev. Al Sharpton founded the National Action Network, our mission has been to carry the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. into a modern fight for one standard of justice, decency, and equal opportunity. That work has never been only about today — it has always been about who comes next.
From the House of Justice in Harlem to chapters across the country, NAN has invested in young people through the Youth Huddle, the Youth & College Division, and a place on the front lines of every march and every Saturday Action Rally. The Rites of Passage Program gives that investment a structure: a guided journey that prepares middle and high school students for adulthood through leadership development, personal responsibility, cultural awareness, education, service, and civic engagement.
Participants don't just learn about the movement; they become part of it. They march, they serve, they register voters, they meet the leaders who came before them, and they finish ready to take their place in the long line of people who refused to be counted out.
Nine pillars shape the whole young person — mind, body, spirit, and community.
Confidence, character, purpose, and cultural history — knowing where you come from and where you're going.
Communication, decision-making, accountability, and teamwork — leading by example.
Academic success, college preparation, and career exploration for the road ahead.
Budgeting, saving, credit, and entrepreneurship — building economic power.
Physical health, mental wellness, and healthy relationships.
Voting rights, advocacy, government, and community involvement.
Respect, discipline, conflict resolution, and etiquette.
Integrity, service, spiritual grounding, and moral responsibility.
Hands-on service projects woven through every stage of the program.
The program opens with an orientation — welcome from NAN leadership, parent/guardian orientation, code of conduct, mentor introductions, and a goal-setting exercise — then moves through ten guided sessions.
Every participant is connected with mentors who walk alongside them through the entire journey.
Regular one-on-one check-ins and accountability throughout the program.
Support for school, study habits, and college preparation.
Exposure to professions, pathways, and real-world advice.
Character, confidence, and life-skill coaching.
Growing each young person's voice and capacity to lead.
A trusted adult in their corner from orientation to ceremony.
The classroom is only the beginning. Participants step into the real work of the movement.
Participate in NAN's weekly rally at the House of Justice.
Give back with a hands-on service project.
Tour a college or university campus.
Career and professional development experiences.
Visit government or civic institutions and see democracy at work.
Meetings with elected officials and community leaders.
Build confidence through public speaking exercises.
Hands-on money management and entrepreneurship.
A networking and etiquette experience.
Every participant identifies an issue affecting their community and develops a project or campaign to address it — turning conviction into action, the NAN way.
The program concludes with a formal ceremony honoring each young person's growth.
Graduation is a beginning. Rites of Passage graduates step into the wider NAN family.
Enroll a young person, mentor a participant, or bring the Rites of Passage Program to your NAN chapter. Together, we prepare our youth to lead, to serve, and to carry the movement forward.