Mentorship Program Receives $45,000 in United Way Funding

The Wichita youth program uses chess instruction and cognitive training to teach vital life skills to at-risk students.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Philanthropy

Mentorship Program Receives $45,000 in United Way Funding

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The Masters and Mentors program, which supports youth in the Wichita area, has been awarded $45,000 through a United Way Impact on the Plains event. Founded in 2024, the initiative helps at-risk children and youth involved in the court system.

Why it matters

The program aims to provide critical life skills to participants, focusing on support systems and decision-making to assist at-risk youth. It draws from curricula originally used by the Kansas Department of Corrections.

The program received $45,000 in funding after serving 54 children in 2026. Over 150 students aged 12 to 17 have participated in the initiative since its inception.

The players

Tony Ballard

He is the founder of the Masters and Mentors program and a former inmate who served 22 years in the Kansas correctional system.

Titus Hoggatt

He serves as the chess coach for the program and instructs students on strategy and cognitive behavioral techniques.

United Way

This global non-profit organization focuses on community health, education, and financial stability through its local regional impact initiatives.

The details

Founded by Tony Ballard following his 22-year incarceration, the program utilizes chess instruction and cognitive behavioral training to help youth navigate life decisions. Coach Titus Hoggatt leads the sessions, where students learn to apply board game strategy to real-world support systems.

The Masters and Mentors program was established in 2024.
A total of 54 children attended the mentorship program in 2026.

Market Landscape

The program mirrors the structure of the Kansas Department of Corrections cognitive behavioral training curriculum to address youth developmental needs. This approach positions the initiative to bridge the gap between traditional after-school activities and formal court-involved support systems.

Local families and youth involved in the court system may see increased access to structured cognitive behavioral support through this expanded funding. The potential partnership with local schools could soon integrate these life-skills resources directly into the district curriculum.

The takeaway

The success of this program demonstrates how specialized cognitive training can offer at-risk youth valuable tools for navigating high-pressure decisions. Applying strategic thinking skills from chess to real-life challenges provides students with a tangible framework for building their own support systems.