Raising confident, capable young men takes more than good parenting—it takes a village. That’s the heart of 100 Black Men of Indianapolis: to surround youth with positive role models, real-world opportunities, and a deep sense of community that reinforces what families are already working hard to instill at home.
For the Bogan family, that support system has made all the difference.
With three boys, each with different personalities and needs, Lauren Bogan and her husband turned to 100 Black Men for enrichment and mentorship. What they found was a community that didn’t just supplement their efforts—it walked alongside them.
“The 100 has been an extension of our family,” Bogan shared. “They’ve created a network of people who genuinely care about our kids, challenge them to think bigger, and show them what it means to lead.”
That impact has been personal and profound for each of their sons.
Connecting through The Beautillion Militaire Scholarship Program
When the Bogans’ oldest son entered The Beautillion Militaire Scholarship Program, he was searching for something to connect with. He found more than a program—he found purpose. Over several months, he showed up every Sunday, committed, curious, and completely engaged.
“It was the first time in a long while that we’d seen him genuinely excited about something,” Bogan reflected. “He wasn’t just going through the motions—he was growing.”
He formed deep friendships with other Beaus and built lasting bonds with mentors, gaining a brotherhood he now considers lifelong. A cornerstone of the Beautillion experience was The Man Plan. This guided exercise required participants to envision their future in exacting detail, from budgeting and student loans to career choices and lifestyle goals.
“It pushed him to think about what kind of life he wants and what it will take to get there,” she explained. “It was practical, thoughtful, and incredibly impactful today, and I can only imagine that impact will grow as life progresses.”
After the program ended, he participated in a scholarship meeting. The excitement to reconnect with his mentors was evident from the outset of the call. The lifelong support from The 100 continues as one of his mentors recently facilitated an amazing job shadowing opportunity in a field he’s interested in pursuing.
Summer Support That Sticks
The Bogan family’s middle son has attended The 100’s Summer Academy for four years, and the consistency has paid off. Designed to combat summer learning loss, the program focuses on core academics like math and literacy, while also exposing students to new cultures and ideas.
“He recently placed fifth in the state on a math assessment,” Bogan noted. “While he’s always been gifted in math, I’m sure the work he’s done with The 100 over the summers contributed to his success on the test.”
The Summer Academy doesn’t just reinforce classroom learning—it keeps students engaged and inspired during the months when many fall behind. For the Bogans, it’s been a key piece in keeping their sons confident and prepared.
A Cultural Journey Inspired by History
Even at just ten years old, the Bogan family’s youngest son is growing into a leader. A participant in both the Summer Academy and the African American History Challenge, he recently earned a spot on the national competition team. He will travel to New Orleans with 100 Black Men to represent Indianapolis.
Through his studies, he has developed a deeper understanding of his heritage and a broader perspective on how history shapes the present.
“He can now connect what’s happening in the world to what’s happened in the past, and he’s learning how to talk about that with real clarity and perspective,” shared Bogan. “
That kind of critical thinking and cultural pride is at the heart of what 100 Black Men aims to instill: young men and women who not only know their history but know how to lead with it.
Representation, Relationship, and Real Impact
At the core of the Bogan family’s experience is a consistent theme: representation matters, and community support changes lives.
“It’s powerful for our boys to see successful Black men showing up for them,” Bogan said. “These are people who look like them, believe in them, and don’t just challenge them to rise, but equip them with support and resources to do just that.”
Whether it’s the structured planning of the Beautillion Militaire Scholarship Program, the academic rigor of the Summer Academy, or the confidence gained through the African American History Challenge, The 100 creates experiences that equip young men to lead—and gives families a network to lean on.
The program has met each of our sons where they are,” Bogan added. “Different kids, different experiences—but every one of them has come away better, more confident, and more prepared.”
A Call to the Community
The Bogan family’s story reflects what 100 Black Men of Indianapolis is all about: not a one-size-fits-all approach, but a commitment to the whole child. Through mentorship, education, and empowerment, the organization strengthens families and builds a better future for everyone.
“We encourage every family to get involved,” said Bogan. “And if you’re able, donate. These programs are changing lives, but they need resources to grow and sustain that impact.”
When families and communities work together, the results speak for themselves. At 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, that village is alive and thriving—and the next generation is rising strong because of it.
Support the mission. Join, donate, or learn more at www.100blackmenindy.org.