B3I launches youth program for justice-impacted teens and young adults

The Better Black Business Initiative has launched From Lock-Up to Lift-Up, a Minneapolis-area program aimed at helping justice-impacted youth ages 16-24 build job pathways and support networks. The effort kicks off with an Oct. 24 empowerment summit in St. Paul backed by Cummins Inc.

Why it matters: - The program is designed to help justice-impacted young people move toward employment, personal development and long-term opportunity. - B3I is trying to connect participants with mentors, employers and community resources that can reduce barriers tied to involvement in the justice system. - The initiative targets ages 16-24, a group that often needs early support to translate second chances into stable careers.

What happened: - The Better Black Business Initiative launched From Lock-Up to Lift-Up, a new youth empowerment program. - B3I announced the program on Sept. 14, 2026. - The Minneapolis-based nonprofit said the program will support justice-impacted youth through education, mentorship, employer engagement and access to community resources. - B3I will host the inaugural Lock-Up to Lift-Up Youth Empowerment Summit on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Junior Achievement North in St. Paul. - The summit is open to ages 16-24. - Cummins Inc. is supporting B3I’s expansion and the launch of the program.

The details: - The program is built around structured programming and direct connections with employers and community partners. - Summit participants will have access to workshops, mentorship, speakers, resources and direct engagement with employers and community organizations. - B3I says a central goal is to help young people build relationships that can extend beyond the event. - General registration for the summit costs $20. - Group discounts and scholarships are available. - B3I is based in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, and focuses on economic empowerment in the Black community. - B3I also runs the I'm a BOSS Youth Business Camp and mentorship and coaching initiatives. - More information is available at theb3initiative.org. - B3I’s social channels include LinkedIn and Facebook.

Between the lines: - The program frames justice involvement as a starting point, not a defining label. - Cummins’ backing signals corporate interest in workforce pathways tied to community investment. - The summit format suggests B3I is using a one-day convening to convert awareness into relationships, referrals and potential hiring pipelines.

What's next: - B3I will use the Oct. 24 summit to connect participants with employers and community groups. - The organization appears to be building a longer-term support model around mentorship, coaching and career access. - Additional program activity is likely to follow if the summit creates sustained partnerships and participant interest.

The bottom line: - B3I is betting that mentorship plus employer access can help justice-impacted youth move from stigma to opportunity.