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WHO WE ARE
Breaking the Cycle: Empowering Youth to Escape the Prison Pipeline
The Inspire to Aspire Youth Empowerment Program (IAYEP) was formed when Sensei Dave read an article regarding recidivism rates of adults in prison. The report, from The Center For Economic Policy Research, stated that "70% of youth experiencing Juvenile Detention will end up in prison as an adult." In some states, the % actually went up to 85% over the last 10 years.
These statistics are scary and extremely sad. To know that so many kids with no agency over where they happen to be born, who their parents happen to be, and what they happen to have experienced in their lives are destined to be incarcerated/end up in prison.
This is disheartening, and we knew that something different and dramatic had to be done to change the statics surrounding our youth. After much reflection on his lived experience in the Foster Care and Juvenile Justice System, research, and investigation, Sensei Dave and his team have developed a program that is the "missing piece" for youth experiencing Foster Care and youth in the juvenile Justice System
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''At IAYEP, we empower overlooked youth and equip them to rewrite their futures.''
Sensei Dave
Founder
Upcoming Events
About Our Event
Sensei Dave and Inspire To Aspire (I2A) have partnered with Boys Mentoring Advocacy Network (BMAN) to make a PROFOUND impact with the young men BMAN serves in Nigeria. I want to bring you along for this ride of impact!
I have been involved with Ola Akinwe of BMAN for over 2 years, and I see first hand the impact they are having on the youth they serve.
Check out More about the event and the ways for you to help and get involved.
21-22 November, 2025
Our Mission
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Empowering young men to get off of the streets
Provide proper clothing assistance
Provide financial support to vetted families
BMAN, Mentoring Center
Lagos, Nigeria
WHY GIVE, AND WHAT OUTCOMES TO EXPECT
YOUR IMPACT
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The Challenge We Are Solving
Boys and young men in under-resourced communities face escalating risks that derail school, mental health, and life outcomes. Evidence shows that structured mentoring reduces delinquent behavior and aggression among at‐risk youth and can lower short-term reoffending when programs provide consistent, skilled mentors and follow‐up.
Why Your Gift Matters
Your support makes the BFBC Summit more than a one-time event. It funds:
- Outreach to youth who need it most
- Scholarships for school travel, meals, and materials
- Workshops on resilience, leadership, and decision-making
- Mentoring circles with trained guides
What Your Gift Funds
Your donation directly supports:
- Youth scholarships, travel, and meals
- Training and resources for mentors
- Post-summit check-ins and digital support
- Data and evaluation to track results
Ways to Donate
Boys Future Boys Challenge (BFBC) Summit
SILVER 1k
Thank you mention on the website
Recognition during the event
GOLD 5k
Recognition on social media & event materials
Logo featured on the sponsorship page
Special mention during keynote speech
PLATINUM 10k
Prominent recognition during the Summit
Logo featured on event banners and website
Personalized thank-you video from Sensei Dave Armstrong
Invitation to an exclusive online VIP networking reception with Sensei Dave, other keynote speakers and
HEART DONNER participating youth
All expenses paid trip to Nigeria to attend the summit. Premier recognition at the event and across all materials PLUS Silver, Gold, and
Platinum package perks
HEART DONOR 25k
Have another amount in mind? Donate here.
Progress indicator for donations
$3500
3.5% of $100,000 goal
Donner Recognition
Silver
Your name goes here
Platinum
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Gold
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heart
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HOPE + SKILLS =
AN AMAZING LIFE
I want to see our youth coming out of the system THRIVE not just survive. 20,000+ youth age out every year ill-prepared
and unequipped for success.
We are changing this NOW!
THE I2A PROGRAM
The Inspire to Aspire Youth Empowerment program has three essential parts that help our youth obtain real "success."
Forming intrinsic motivation and giving hope for their future.
Equipping our youth with essential skill sets, and tangible expertise that are vital for self-confidence and self-efficacy. Skills such as resiliency, meditation, journaling, breathing techniques for anger management, anti-bullying, goal setting, and much more.
Training caring adults, support staff, teachers, Social Workers, and non-profit volunteers on ways to be more impactful with the youth they serve.
Inspire To Aspire (I2A) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-exempt (in the United States) and all work we do is 100% centered around positively impacting youth who are in foster care, juvenile detention, marginalized communities, or considered "at-risk."
ABOUT SENSEI DAVE
SENSEI DAVE - NOW
After serving 24 years in the U.S. Air Force Sensei Dave decided to write his autobiography "Why Me" My Fight For Life and launch his business Unlimited Potential Network Academy. Dave has served as VP, Board of Directors for non-profits, served as ED of his own Martial Arts Mentoring Program for "at-risk" youth, owned and operated several successful Martial Arts Schools, and has received several awards and accolades for his 20+ years of service towards our youth.
From Nothing!
Sensei Dave began his journey in juvenile detention, foster care, and group homes starting at age 11. Shortly thereafter his mother passed away and he was left without any family or relatives. Young Dave had no hope for his future and nothing seemed to matter to him. He began running with gangs, robbing, fighting, and consistently in and out of detention. His "destiny" was written, and he would end up like most of the youth who came from the streets...DEAD OR IN PRISON
I survived the system because of three essential things that I am on a mission to help our youth with right now. our youth need HOPE, without hope we have nothing to look forward to, nothing to strive toward, no "why." Our youth need to know that they have the skills and self-confidence to achieve their goals and become successful in their lives. Lastly, they need caring adults in their corner. But, showing up as a "caring adult" isn't enough. Our caring adults need training and need to KNOW they are making a difference in our youth's lives
Sensei Dave has been featured in
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Fostering Changes
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Meet The Board of Directors
Dr. Sherry Raftery
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Coach Cordell
Secretary, Board of Directors
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Get in touch...
