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Jermaine Lawrence Anderson ’04 launched his first business in the fourth grade: Custom-designed business cards, T-shirts and mugs that he peddled to classmates and teachers.

This gift for entrepreneurship led Anderson, a graphic design major, to establish I Am A Gentleman, an organization that aims to prepare Chicago youth and young men of color for careers, positive relationships, and productive lives. 

“We teach the youth that a gentleman is three things: One who gives back, takes responsibility, and makes life better for others,” Anderson said.

These lessons are accomplished through in-school programs and the Male Mentoring Academy, a 14-week program where selected young men between the ages of 13 and 21 take part in classroom instruction, recreational and cultural activities, and community service projects. 

The academy is staffed by professional life coaches who serve as role models and introduce students to working class professionals in Chicago.

“We try to make sure that when young men participate in the academy, we, as adult mentors and life coaches, are a good representation of what they themselves can be,” Anderson said.

His time at ���Ĺ��� helped shape the world view that he hopes to pass on to the students. “���Ĺ��� helped me understand the world is larger than the neighborhood where you are from,” Anderson explained. “The world is much more diverse than your myopic sphere of influence.”