Vision

Every student will graduate from high school, pursue higher education, vocational training, or military service, and be empowered to become a contributing and self-sustaining member of society.

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Mission

The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project was founded by then Miami-Dade County School Board Member Frederica S. Wilson, now a member of the U.S. Congress. Initiated by the Miami-Dade County School Board in March 1993, the project was born out of the recognition that many young people face ongoing challenges that hinder their potential. Its mission is to intervene in the lives of youth, providing them with alternatives that steer them away from crime and violence.

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In the early 1990s, many young people found themselves excluded from the mainstream economy and resorted to the drug trade for survival, escalating violence in schools and communities. What were once schoolyard fights increasingly became violent confrontations involving weapons. Much of this escalation stemmed from a lack of parental responsibility and the absence of positive role models. While society rightly calls for parents to be held accountable for their children’s actions and education, we must also ask: who will step in for youth who lack guidance, stability, and support?

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The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project is committed to providing the resources needed to reclaim our youth. Trained adult role models support young people, offering mentorship and guidance to help them overcome obstacles and succeed. These young people are not defined by their circumstances, but rather by the potential within them to change the trajectory of their lives.

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The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project seeks to protect and nurture these youth, much like we do for endangered species. Just as we prioritize saving threatened natural resources, we must apply the same urgency to ensuring the survival and success of our youth. According to research, many young people face significant challenges, and it is essential that we act proactively to provide the programs and support they need to thrive.

 

Our mission is clear: To act now, to make a difference, and to protect the future of our youth before time runs out.​

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Values and Principles

The project instills in the youth of Miami-Dade County the core values of American society, while also respecting and acknowledging their individual identities.

 

The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project focuses on three guiding principles:

1. Identifying and promoting positive, successful individuals in our community as role models.

2. Encouraging alternatives to self-destructive behaviors and societal challenges.

3. Holding everyone accountable for preparing young people to face the challenges of today’s world.

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Goals

Our goals are designed to equip the youth of Miami-Dade County with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed, while fostering self-respect and a strong sense of identity.

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Goal #1: Foster supportive relationships between youth and positive, successful individuals in the community who can serve as mentors and role models.

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Goal #2: Educate participants about the consequences of harmful behaviors and provide exposure to positive alternatives, empowering them to make informed, constructive choices.

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Goal #3: Build a sustainable program infrastructure that empowers adult role models to take responsibility for preparing young people to meet the challenges of life with resilience, determination, and purpose.

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