Outcome Measurements

In 2011-12, 39 students completed the Project M.I.S.T.E.R.™ program at Franklin and South Lake high schools.

36 (92.5%) OF THESE STUDENTS EITHER GRADUATED OR COMPLETED THE SEMESTER SUCCESSFULLY, WITH PLANS TO RETURN IN THE FALL.

1. Student made adequate progress towards the completion of a high school diploma, as evidenced by the completion of at least 5 credits, or student graduated from high school. A less desirable, yet positive outcome would be the attainment of a GED, a sub-goal to be tracked separately.
   
   Without intervention, 25%
   
   Goal: 90%
   Actual: 85%
   

2. Student did not drop out of school. A lower percentage is validation of success.
   
   66% probability/4 yrs = 16.5% per school-year risk of dropping out
   
   Goal: Under 5% per year
   

3. Student was not incarcerated at the end of the program.
   
   Without intervention 82% chance of recidivism
   
   Goal: Under 7% recidivism of previously incarcerated students
   Actual: 10%
   

4. Student did not advance his status in the criminal justice system, i.e., non-involved to involved, probation to incarceration, etc.
   
   Goal: 93% of students who have been arrested for a crime will not be rearrested during high school years.
   Actual: 85%
   

5. Student completed a secondary education plan, and the necessary measures to enroll in one of the following after graduation: college, an apprenticeship program, a job training program, or employment.
   
   Goal: 93% Completion
   Actual: 90%
   

The most tangible evidence of the success of Project M.I.S.T.E.R.™ is the percentage of students who not only fail to re-offend, as evidenced by arrest and incarceration, but also stay in school, and graduate. Studies have shown that high school graduation is the number one predictor of future criminal behavior in males of color in our area.

According to a 2007 Puget Sound Educational Service District study:

Almost 3,200 high school students dropped out of King County schools in 2004-05. Approximately 25% of all youth and 45% of African-American, Native American and Latino boys fail to finish high school.

The study goes on to state further consequences of dropping out.

60% of the youth in King County juvenile detention are dropouts or lack sufficient credits to graduate. 70% of adult prisoners in the United States are high school dropouts.

Ancillary Programs

In addition to the Project M.I.S.T.E.R.™ classes, The Breakfast Group offers two signature programs to encourage students to stay on track with their education and life goals.

Tie-One-On Luncheon

A rite of passage experience that provides networking opportunities for students of color and other at-risk youth. Co-sponsored by Turner Construction and held at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle, over 100 community leaders and corporate representatives commit to helping 75 to 90 high school students to navigate the job market and prepare for college. As part of the ceremony students receive a necktie, which is designed by participants in the Project M.I.S.T.E.R. Program™. Students are encouraged to meet as many mentors as possible, and to get business cards and maintain contact for leads on jobs and other assistance.

All Achievers Awards/Scholarship Program

Each year awards scholarships to African-American youth and others at risk who have overcome obstacles and excelled at school and in the community. More than 75 students from the Seattle Public High Schools are recognized each year and more than 20 scholarships are awarded annually to 4-year and 2-year colleges, including technical or trade schools. Scholarships are awarded to graduating Project M.I.S.T.E.R.™ students as well as students from other high school campuses in Seattle. Scholarships range from $250 for books to over $4,000 for multi-year awards.

Featured Project M.I.S.T.E.R.™ alumni return each year as college students, college grads, or business owners to mentor and testify to both M.I.S.T.E.R.™ participants and supporters of the power of M.I.S.T.E.R.™ path to success.

Special Events

• Annual Community Tie Design Contest & Marketing Program

• Annual Seattle University Basketball Practice & Pizza

• Annual University of Washington Basketball Practice & Pizza

• Annual University of Washington Husky Football Lunch & Practice

Program Expansion

In 2014, and during the 2014-15 academic year, we expanded Project M.I.S.T.E.R.™ to include two additional program Projects: 

• Project M.I.S.T.E.R. DIGITAL™

• Project M.I.S.T.E.R. STEM + A™

In 2014, we completed the wrap-around advocacy component of our legacy program:

• Intensive Youth Engagement Advocacy Program