33%
of youth in Baltimore City are estimated to be food insecure
Baltimore Hunger Project, 2022
100%
We provide fresh meals at 100% of our programs and events
14.6%
of youth in Baltimore City are struggling with unemployment
Baltimore's Promise, 2023
of our youth are paid at every earn-while-you-learn program, event, and opportunity
100%
71%
Graduation rate of Baltimore City Public School students
Baltimore City Public Schools 2025
100%
of our school-aged Heartbeats graduate high school or complete a GED program
34K
median income of individuals with a high school diploma in Baltimore City
Baltimore's Promise
42K
median income of Heartbeats employed with HeartSmiles in leadership positions
Our Solution
A Model for Youth Success
At HeartSmiles, we believe young people learn best from those who understand their journey.
Our Peer-to-Peer model empowers youth to lead and mentor one another, creating a culture of shared experience, mutual support, and accountability. Through this untraditional approach, experienced youth leaders—our Heartbeats—facilitate sessions, share lessons learned, and inspire their peers by example. This innovative model builds trust, amplifies youth voice, and fosters leadership from within the community.
All youth are provided with healthy meals and snacks during all HeartSmiles programming to address food insecurity, remove barriers to entry, and eliminate additional expenses on behalf of the participant
Youth are provided with a safe ride home from each program
All participants are paid at least a minimum wage of $15/hour for their time while in our programs. This is our "Earn-While-You-Learn" model. Once you're ready for more opportunity, the sky is the limit.
All Heartbeats are provided with talent development, skills training, and career exposure to increase their likelihood of gaining employment in a meaningful career that leads to a higher salary than the median income
All of this is at no cost to the participant
8-13
years old
-
Leadership and Character Building
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Mentored by High School Heartbeats
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Exposure to Different Career Paths
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Skills Training Introduction
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College and Career Exploration
14-18
years old
-
Advanced Leadership and Character Building
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Mentoring Elementary and Middle School Students
-
Exposure to Different Career Paths
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Career Focused Internship
-
Skills Training
-
College Tours and Applications
-
Drivers Ed and License
19+
years old
-
Complete High School or GED Equivalent
-
Specialized Skill Training
-
College
-
Trade School
-
Career/Job
-
Entrepreneurship
-
Military
Little Leaders
Little Leaders helps elementary school students develop leadership skills, build character, and learn the importance of personal growth.
The program focuses on social-emotional learning (SEL), making good choices, choosing positive friendships, and teamwork. Participants engage in activities that foster communication, active listening, relationship building, goal setting, and career exploration.
They work on a “leader legacy” project, showcasing something they’ve learned or implementing a community initiative of their own. Healthy meals are provided, and the program is led by peer-to-peer facilitators who inspire youth to create community impact.
Year Round FLEX
Year Round FLEX provides young people with continuous workforce development opportunities through our Earn-While-You-Learn model.
Participants develop essential personal, leadership, and professional skills while gaining hands-on experience in career paths that align with their interests and strengths.
The program is rooted in Foundational Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Exploration (FLEX)—offering both hard and soft skills training, one-on-one mentoring, and real-world experience through partnerships with Baltimore-based organizations.
A key component of Year Round FLEX is our Summer Success program, which allows us to extend support and opportunities through the summer months. Summer Success not only reinforces the skills developed during the school year, but also gives youth continued structure, mentorship, and paid experience when school is out—ensuring that growth and momentum are never paused.
Summer Success
The HeartSmiles Summer Success Program offers youth the chance to develop leadership, confidence, and life skills through peer-led educational sessions and professional guest speakers. Participants have the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities, encouraging them to explore new interests and grow in areas such as character development and mental health awareness.
Each summer, HeartSmiles Summer Success Program offers youth a 5-week transformative summer experience focused on personal and professional growth. Each day is designed with youth voice and choice at the center, providing a variety of peer-led educational and development sessions for participants to choose from. These sessions are led by fellow youth, giving participants the opportunity to learn from their peers in an empowering and collaborative environment.
The program also features a guest mentor series, where professionals from various fields come in to share their expertise and inspire participants with real-world knowledge and career insights. Youth are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, try new things, and explore different areas of interest.
Participants often report significant growth in areas such as confidence, character development, leadership, and mental health awareness and advocacy by the end of the program. Through a combination of social-emotional learning (SEL), leadership training, and teamwork activities, the Summer Success Program equips youth with valuable life skills while also fostering a supportive community.
School-Based Programming
In partnership with schools throughout Baltimore City, HeartSmiles meets students where they are to provide meaningful in-school and after-school programming. Youth spend time developing as leaders, encouraging peers to succeed, and getting hands on experience in career and educational pathways.
HeartSmiles currently provides programming at several schools throughout Baltimore including:
Matthew A. Henson
Forest Park
Fort Worthington
Collington Square
EMAPS
Lillie May
ACCE
Patterson
Reginald F. Lewis
All programming develops leadership, confidence, and character skills across various age ranges. From providing SEL supports to alternative school students and helping them get reengaged with academics,; to working with students on developing success plans, identifying career paths, and meeting professionals in their fields - all Heartsmiles programs provide wrap-around supports and engaging education by peer and near-peer leaders.
Take on a Trade
Take on a Trade initiative introduces youth to career culinary, barbering, and musical pathways through hands-on, mentor-led training in high-interest trades.
These programs provide a structured, skill-building environment where young people develop confidence, leadership, and monetizable skills they can use to build their futures.
Barbering: Guided by licensed barbers, participants gain technical skills, practice precision, and understand what it takes to run a successful business—preparing them for future certification and career opportunities.
Culinary : Under the guidance of local chefs and culinary professionals, participants learn how to create meals with care and creativity while exploring careers in hospitality, food service, and entrepreneurship.
Learn 2 DJ: Participants learn how to operate DJ equipment, mix tracks, and read a crowd—while also building essential life skills like time management, communication, and confidence. The program also helps youth turn their musical passion into a source of income through events and bookings.
ACCESS & EYLP
These programs are designed to support recently justice involved youth with a year round space for them to develop personally and professionally.
ACCESS - Accountability, Confidence, Communication, Economic Self-Sufficiency, Skills Training, and Success
ACCESS focuses on building key life skills—including financial literacy, emotional regulation, communication, and job readiness—through consistent mentorship and hands-on learning. By centering accountability and self-sufficiency, this program empowers participants to overcome past barriers, set goals, and build sustainable futures.
EYLP – Engaging Youth Leaders Program
The Engaging Youth Leaders Program (EYLP) supports justice-involved youth, ages 13 - 15, in reclaiming leadership and purpose in their lives. Through mentorship, service projects, and youth-led programming, participants learn to lead with confidence, take initiative, and become role models—showing that past challenges do not define future potential.