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Every boy needs a rites of passage

Our mission is to empower young men of color to navigate the unique cultural challenges – social, economic, and developmental – to secure access to a future without limits.

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Fuel the Journey. Shape the Future.

Empowering Boys of Color to Lead Without Limits

At the Thornhill Rites of Passage Foundation (TROPF), we walk alongside young men of color as they become confident, grounded leaders. We empower them to navigate challenges — social, economic, and developmental — so they can secure access to a future without limits. Your support makes this possible.

Why Your Gift Matters

Our boys are brilliant, capable, and full of potential. Too often, they lack access to affirming spaces, trusted mentors, and experiences that build identity, vision, and leadership. TROPF fills that gap.

 

Through culturally grounded mentorship, outdoor experiential learning, and our leadership-based M3 Conference, boys learn to:

Believe in who they are

Take ownership of their choices

Step into leadership with confidence

Our Core Pillars

These aren’t buzzwords — they are the foundation of our program, woven into every activity, mentorship circle, and experience.

Character. Competence. Competitiveness. Citizenship.

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Your Impact

Every contribution — small or large — moves a young man closer to a future without limits.

Sponsor students who otherwise couldn’t participate

 

Support transformational outdoor experiences like rock climbing, ziplining, and whitewater rafting

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Expand leadership opportunities such as the M3 Conference

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Train alumni mentors who guide younger cohorts

You Are Part of the Circle

Families. Alumni. Mentors. Community partners.

Your generosity keeps the circle unbroken and ensures the doors we open today remain open for future generations.

Invest in our boys. Invest in their futures.​

Your gift helps shape leaders, strengthen communities, and fuel a legacy.

Donate Today​

Upload your idea & 60-second video

DEC

1

Feedback received 

DEC

8

Entrepreneurship Lab (mandatory)

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Charlotte Latin School

DEC

20

Competition Day

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Queens University

JAN

24

BUSINESS PITCH

COMPETITION

A platform for middle and high school boys of color to showcase their entrepreneurial ideas, gain mentorship, and compete for cash prizes!

PRIZES

$500

$350

$150

HūMan Rites of Passage Fast Facts

89

Young men have completed HūROP since our founding

200+

Families Reached

33%

Of participants are

scholarship eligible

100%

of program participants have $500 saved

100%

of alumni who completed high school are pursuing higher education

Recent News

The estate of Wayne and Michelle Thornhill committed $100,000 to the growth of the foundation, and your contribution can allow the funding for the Thornhill Rites of Passage Foundation to have even greater impact.

Check out our newly released Impact Report to see how we are altering the trajectory of young men of color.

 

Submit an application for the 2026-2027 HūMan Rites of Passage Cohort!

A Special Thank You To Our Supporters

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Contact Us

info@TROPF.org

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240-350-4596

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©2025 by Thornhill Rites of Passage Foundation.

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