The Becoming Initiative
The Becoming Initiative is Milaan Foundation’s hybrid, year-long youth leadership and well-being program designed with and for youth to empower them with the skills, confidence, and support to lead in life, work, and community.
Grounded in a holistic intervention framework that integrates Positive Youth Development (PYD), Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), and employability skill-building, the program offers a transformative experience that nurtures agency, purpose, and the capacity to lead meaningful change, while emphasizing sustained personal growth and future readiness.
Our work at the Becoming Initiative
This leadership journey is built on the belief that young people are the foundation of their future and that the skills, values, and vision they cultivate today will shape the change they create tomorrow. Throughout this program, participants will grow in self-awareness, strengthen their ability to lead with empathy and resilience, and work together to design projects that create meaningful impact in their communities.
Our sessions are designed to move from personal discovery to collective action, helping participants explore who they are, what they stand for, and how they can lead change that lasts. Along the way, we will honor lived experiences, lift up one another’s voices, and celebrate the power of youth leadership.
Leadership Development
Youth explore identity, values, and strengths while developing a Personal Leadership Plan that guides individual growth and supports their planning and implementation of a capstone project.
Well-being
Youth build a “toolkit” of strategies to carry with them for resilience and emotional well-being. Through Virtual Expert Panel Discussions, Mental health advocates highlight practices for balance, coping strategies, and long-term well-being.
Future readiness
Youth design career roadmaps, connecting their passions with future opportunities. Youth practice interview skills in a supportive environment, building confidence and readiness for real-world opportunities. Career experts discuss emerging opportunities and the skills youth need to thrive in the future.
The Becoming Initiative
Who is The Becoming Initiative For?
Michigan pilot for 2026
“Being a leader to me means showing up for others, taking initiative, providing support and comfort to others, and being someone people can rely on. Being a part of this program would help me build my leadership skills and (building) skills I would need in the future.”
- Yaniah, Program participant
How can you participate?
We believe in a world where every young person has the opportunity, agency and well-being to thrive
Bring the Becoming Initiative to Your Community
As a Knowledge Partner, you’ll help deliver a research-backed, social-emotional learning and mentorship curriculum that empowers youth to lead.
Partner with us to scale opportunity, strengthen communities, and champion a future where every young person can thrive.
If You’re a
teen Changemaker
With fewer than 20% of youth accessing leadership or mentoring opportunities, many feel unprepared to make a difference. You deserve better.
Step into your potential—apply today to become part of The Becoming Initiative.
Our Knowledge Partners
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You can apply for the program by filling out the application on this link.
The program is $1,500 per participant. Full and partial scholarships are available.
We are targeting participants in the Detroit, Flint, East Lansing, and Grand Rapids areas. We are open to other cities in lower Michigan based on the location of applicants.
Applications will be reviewed, rated, and selected by a review committee based on a rating criterion developed to identify the quality and motivation of applications.
A staff member from Milaan foundation will communicate the selection timeline once you submit an application.
Yes, there are partial and full scholarships available based on need. There is a section on the application asking about scholarship needs.
Great! You can make a donation here.
Virtual sessions will be bi-weekly with additional engagement opportunities through digital badges, games, competitions, and virtual meet-ups.
The capstone project is a project chosen by the participant that addresses a need they see in their community. These projects are personalized based on the interest of the participant. It may be a community service project, community event, advocacy project, entrepreneurship project, and so on! We look at this project to be creative and fully led by the participants. Participants can decide to do their capstone project together.
Invest in the leaders of tomorrow.
In 2025, we’re piloting The Becoming Initiative with 100 youth in Michigan. Your support helps fund scholarships, technology, and mentorship for participants, ensuring no young person is left behind.
Milaan Foundation is a registered 501[c][3] charitable organization in the United States of America.
EIN 47-3899831
