Bronx nonprofit uses mentorship and experiences to help youth build brighter futures
Jaywander Soriano, an eighth grader who joined the program in 2022, said participating has had a positive impact on both his behavior and academics.
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As summer break begins, many families are searching for safe and engaging activities for their children. A Bronx nonprofit is using the time to provide mentorship, educational experiences and opportunities designed to help young people build confidence and expand their future goals.
Travel with Chaz, founded about 10 years ago by Charles Benson, serves youth ages 8 to 16 through weekly mentoring, enrichment activities, educational trips and internship opportunities.
Jaywander Soriano, an eighth grader who joined the program in 2022, said participating has had a positive impact on both his behavior and academics.
"I used to go to the office like all the time, but ever since I joined the program, I became better," Soriano said. "My grades went up like crazy. And I haven't seen the principal since."
Benson said the organization rewards students for strong academic performance while exposing them to careers and experiences they may not otherwise encounter.
"When we go to the Knicks games or the Yankee games, we don't just go to sit at a game and see the arena," Benson said. "We go to see what kind of jobs are there. Who's the lawyer here? Who does the engineering?"
Benson said he started the nonprofit after seeing too many young people in the Bronx miss out on opportunities because of financial barriers or where they lived.
"The vision is that every child grows up believing they can do more than what's in their circle," Benson said. "Not everyone has the privilege of opportunities to do these things all the time. We take it for granted."
Through mentorship, educational trips and internship opportunities, Benson said the organization's goal is to help young people dream bigger and provide them with the tools and experiences to achieve those goals.
