Pursue by Shareece Wright

PURSUE YOUR
PURPOSE

A 12-week mentorship program for youth ages 12 to 17 in the Inland Empire. Built by someone who grew up here and had to figure it all out the hard way.

12 Weeks
7 Pillars
12-17 Ages
IE Inland Empire
Apply Now

Why It Exists

HE BUILT WHAT HE NEVER HAD

Shareece Wright grew up in Colton with no mentors, no blueprint, no roadmap. He had talent, but nobody handed him a manual. Nobody sat him down and walked him through what to do about money, or college, or the pressure of being a young man trying to make something out of nothing in the Inland Empire.

He figured it out. He made it to USC. He lasted eight seasons in the NFL. He played for the Chargers, the Ravens, the Bills, the Texans. Then he came home. And when he looked around, he saw the same gap he'd grown up navigating. Kids with real potential and no one to show them the path.

Pursue is that path. Twelve weeks, seven pillars, real mentors who've lived through something. Not theory. Not motivational posters. Actual tools, real conversations, and someone who's been where you're trying to go standing in the room with you every week.

Shareece opens and closes every cohort personally. His story runs through every session. He's not a figurehead on a pamphlet. He shows up.

"I built what I wish I had."
- Shareece Wright, Colton to USC to 8 NFL seasons
Pursue Program Logo

A mentorship program born in the Inland Empire for the kids who grow up here.

  • Started by a kid from Colton who made the NFL
  • Free to every participant - fully funded
  • Every mentor has walked through adversity
  • Parents and guardians are part of the process
  • Alumni network that doesn't disappear after week 12
  • Grounded in the community it serves

The Curriculum

THE 7 PILLARS OF PURSUE

Every session covers real ground. The 7 pillars aren't just categories. They're the areas where most young people get stuck, and where the right guidance at the right age changes everything.

01

MINDSET & CHARACTER

Resilience, grit, and decision-making under pressure. How you think when things get hard determines everything that comes after.

  • The $632 mindset: what it takes to start from nothing
  • Handling failure without letting it define you
  • Building daily discipline before you feel like it
02

LIFE SKILLS & EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

Communication, boundaries, and healthy relationships. How to read a room, handle conflict, and show up for yourself and the people around you.

  • Conflict resolution without escalation
  • Active listening and how to actually communicate
  • Reading social situations and understanding context
03

ACADEMIC SUPPORT & COLLEGE READINESS

GPA goals, NCAA eligibility, FAFSA. The path to college is navigable - but only if someone shows you where the landmines are before you step on them.

  • Study habits that actually stick
  • Navigating college applications start to finish
  • Scholarship strategy: finding money that's already there
04

FINANCIAL LITERACY

Budgeting, credit, saving, and the basics of building something. Most people learn this too late. Pursue teaches it at an age when it still has time to shape habits.

  • Your first bank account: what to open and why
  • Understanding credit scores before you need them
  • Side hustle basics: turning skills into income
05

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING

Processing adversity, seeking help, and taking care of yourself without the stigma. Shareece has been through real trauma. He talks about it openly so these kids don't have to carry theirs alone.

  • Naming your emotions so they don't run you
  • When to ask for help and who to ask
  • Building a support system before you need it
06

CAREER EXPLORATION & LEADERSHIP

Networking, public speaking, and building a personal brand. What you can do matters less than how you communicate it. These sessions teach both.

  • Finding your voice in a room full of people
  • Mock interviews with real feedback
  • Building a personal brand before you have a resume
07

ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT

Discipline, coachability, and the skills sports teach that translate directly to life. Whether these kids play or not, the athlete's mindset is something every one of them can use.

  • The athlete's edge: what sport gives you beyond wins
  • Film study mentality applied to academics and career
  • Teamwork beyond the game: how it shows up everywhere

The 12 Weeks

WHAT HAPPENS, WHEN

Every cohort follows the same structure. Not rigid, but intentional. Each two-week block builds on the one before it.

Wks 1-2

Foundation

Setting the Stage

  • Orientation with parents and guardians present
  • Shareece opens the cohort and tells his story
  • Goal setting, trust building, and establishing team norms
  • Pre-program assessment to understand where each youth is starting
Shareece leads this session personally.
Wks 3-4

Pillars 1 + 2

Mindset, Character & Life Skills

  • The $632 mindset workshop: adversity as fuel
  • Emotional intelligence exercises and role play
  • Guest speaker: local community leader with a real story
Wks 5-6

Pillars 3 + 4

Academic Readiness & Financial Literacy

  • College readiness workshop: applications, FAFSA, eligibility
  • Financial literacy simulation: budgeting with real decisions
  • Field trip: local business or campus tour
Wks 7-8

Pillar 5

Mental Health & Wellbeing

  • Processing adversity: Shareece shares his full story
  • Licensed counselor guest session
  • Self-care planning and building a personal support system
One of the most powerful sessions in the program.
Wks 9-10

Pillar 6

Career Exploration & Leadership

  • Mock interviews with structured feedback
  • Public speaking workshop: your story, your voice
  • Networking dinner with local professionals from the IE
Wks 11-12

Pillar 7 + Graduation

Athletic Development & Closing Day

  • Transferable skills from sports to life
  • Cohort presentations: each participant shares their Pursue Plan
  • Graduation ceremony with families present
  • Post-program assessment and alumni network welcome
Shareece closes the cohort personally. Families are invited.

The Details

PROGRAM LOGISTICS

Location
Inland Empire, CA
San Bernardino / Colton area. Exact venue shared upon acceptance.
Schedule
Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
12 consecutive Saturdays per cohort
Cohort Size
20 to 25 youth
Small by design. Every participant gets real attention.
Cost
Free
Fully funded through the RENEE Foundation and community partners.
Requirements
Ages 12 to 17
Parent or guardian consent. Commitment to attend all 12 sessions. Two excused absences maximum.
Open to All Youth
All genders, backgrounds, schools
Pursue is open to any youth ages 12 to 17 in the Inland Empire regardless of gender, school, or background.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • All program materials and workbooks
  • Meals and snacks every session
  • Pursue program journal
  • Graduation certificate
  • Alumni network access for life
  • Field trip to local business or campus
  • Networking dinner with IE professionals
  • Licensed counselor session

Why It Works

WHAT SETS PURSUE APART FROM EVERYTHING ELSE

01

"Led by someone who lived it"

Shareece grew up in Colton. He knows the Inland Empire and what it takes to get out and come back with something real to offer. He opens Week 1 and closes Week 12 with every cohort. Not a figurehead. Not a name on a brochure. He is in the room.

02

"Real mentors, not volunteers"

Every Pursue mentor has walked through adversity and come out the other side. They're background checked, trained, and matched intentionally to participants. These are people with something to offer - not someone who just had a Saturday free.

03

"Families are part of it"

Parents and guardians attend orientation and graduation. They receive monthly progress updates. Pursue doesn't just work on the kid - it brings the whole household in. Because a young person's environment matters as much as what they learn on Saturday mornings.

04

"It doesn't end at week 12"

Graduates join the Pursue Alumni Network. Annual reunions. Continued mentorship access. Priority for future leadership opportunities within the program. Pursue is for life - because the relationships built over 12 Saturdays don't have an expiration date.

For Families

TO THE PARENTS AND GUARDIANS

If your child applied or you're considering applying on their behalf, here's what you need to know.

Pursue is not a babysitting program. It's not a field trip. It's a structured, intensive 12-week experience that asks real things of your child - and of you. We need your buy-in. We need your kid to show up ready to engage. And we need you to be part of the process.

Here's what you can expect:

  • You attend orientation and graduation
    Week 1 and Week 12 are family events. Parents and guardians are expected and welcomed at both. You'll hear directly from Shareece and the mentor team.
  • Safety is non-negotiable
    All mentors are background checked and reference verified. Every session has at least two trained adults present. Sessions are held at licensed, vetted venues.
  • Monthly progress updates
    You'll hear from the Pursue team monthly with updates on your child's participation and growth. We keep you in the loop the whole way through.
  • We selected your child for a reason
    Every participant is reviewed and intentionally selected. If your child was accepted, we saw something in them worth investing in. Trust the process.

QUESTIONS PARENTS USUALLY ASK

What does my child actually do each Saturday?
Each session runs 2.5 hours. There's a lesson component, a small group discussion, an activity, and time for reflection. Your child will eat a meal every session. Sessions are structured but not rigid - the mentors follow the curriculum but leave room for real conversation.
What if my child misses a session?
Pursue requires a real commitment. We allow a maximum of two excused absences with advance notice. If a participant misses more than two sessions without explanation, we'll reach out to discuss whether the cohort is the right fit at this time.
Who are the mentors and how are they screened?
All mentors complete a background check, provide two references, and go through a 4-hour training program before they ever work with participants. We look for adults who have faced real adversity - professionals, coaches, educators, community leaders - who have something genuine to offer.
Is this program religious or affiliated with a particular faith?
Pursue is not a religious program and is not affiliated with any faith organization. It is a community-based mentorship program open to all youth ages 12 to 17 in the Inland Empire regardless of background, faith, or belief.
What happens after the 12 weeks?
Your child joins the Pursue Alumni Network. That means annual reunions, ongoing access to the mentor community, and priority for future leadership opportunities within the program. The 12 weeks end. The support doesn't.

Join the Team

BECOME A PURSUE MENTOR

Pursue runs on the people who show up. If you've walked through something hard and come out with something worth giving, we want to talk to you.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

  • Adults 25 and older who have overcome real adversity
  • Professionals, coaches, educators, and community leaders
  • People who want to be present - not just prominent
  • Individuals who reflect the diversity of the Inland Empire community
  • Someone who remembers what it felt like to be 15 and not know what came next

WHAT'S REQUIRED

  • Background check - required before any participant interaction
  • Two references - personal or professional, no exceptions
  • 4-hour mentor training - covers program curriculum, trauma-informed approach, and boundaries
  • Full 12-week cohort commitment - this isn't a drop-in

WHAT YOU GET

  • Comprehensive mentor training and ongoing support
  • Community with other mentors who are serious about service
  • A front-row seat to real change in a young person's life
  • Direct connection to Shareece Wright and the Pursue network

MENTOR APPLICATION

Tell us about yourself. We'll review every submission and reach out to qualified candidates within two weeks.

APPLICATION RECEIVED

We've got your mentor application. Our team reviews every submission and we'll be in touch within two weeks if there's a fit.

Partners

COMMUNITY PARTNERS & SPONSORS

Pursue is free because of organizations and individuals who believe this work matters. We're actively building our partner network for the first cohort in 2026.

Partner logos coming soon.

Venue space for Saturday sessions
Meals and snacks each session
Field trip hosting
Guest speaking
Financial sponsorship
Program materials and supplies
Alumni network events
Networking dinner hosting
Become a Pursue Partner

Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Is there a cost to participate?
No. Pursue is fully funded through the RENEE Foundation and community partners. Every participant receives all materials, meals, and program resources at no cost. There are no fees, no required donations, and nothing to purchase.
What ages are eligible?
Pursue is open to youth ages 12 to 17. Participants must be within this age range at the start of the cohort. We do not accept applications for youth outside this age range at this time.
Where does the program take place?
Pursue is based in the Inland Empire, San Bernardino and Colton area. The exact venue is shared with accepted participants upon enrollment. All venues are vetted, licensed, and accessible.
Can my child miss a session?
Pursue requires commitment to all 12 sessions. We allow a maximum of two excused absences with advance notice to the program team. Missing more than two sessions without prior notice may result in dismissal from the cohort. If a family emergency arises, reach out immediately and we'll work with you.
Is Shareece Wright actually there?
Yes. Shareece opens Week 1 and closes Week 12 personally with every cohort. He also leads the adversity and mindset sessions in the middle of the program. He is not a figurehead. He shows up.
What happens after the 12 weeks?
Graduates join the Pursue Alumni Network with annual reunions, continued access to mentors, and priority consideration for future leadership roles within the program. The cohort ends. The community doesn't.
How are mentors screened?
All Pursue mentors complete a background check, provide two references, and go through a 4-hour mentor training program before working with any participants. Safety and trust are non-negotiable in this program.
Can girls apply?
Yes. Pursue is open to all youth ages 12 to 17 regardless of gender. The curriculum is designed to be relevant and powerful for every young person, not just athletes or young men.
How do I apply as a mentor?
Scroll up to the "Become a Mentor" section and complete the form, or email us directly at pursue@shareece.ai. Include your name, background, and a sentence or two about why you want to be involved.

Who It's For

BUILT FOR YOUNG MEN IN THE IE

Pursue is a structured 12-week cohort for young men ages 13 to 18 in the Inland Empire. Everything here is free. Everything here is intentional.

Ages 13-18 Young Men Only
12 Weeks Quarterly Cohort
Saturdays 10 AM - 12 PM
San Bernardino Inland Empire, CA
Free No Cost, Ever
What You'll Learn

SKILLS THAT TRANSLATE TO REAL LIFE

  • Leadership: how to lead yourself before you lead others
  • Discipline: showing up consistently even when it's hard
  • Goal-setting: building a real plan, not just a wish
  • Financial literacy: money, budgeting, and building wealth early
  • Communication: speaking with confidence and listening with intention
  • Conflict resolution: handling pressure without losing yourself
  • Community service: giving back as a practice, not a punishment
What's Expected

THE BROTHERHOOD STANDARD

  • Attend every Saturday session on time, for all 12 weeks
  • Maintain your grades throughout the program
  • Complete required community service hours
  • Respect every person in the room, no exceptions
  • Come ready to be challenged and to grow
  • Bring your real self - not who you think you should be
  • Carry the brotherhood standard after graduation

The Process

FROM APPLICATION TO GRADUATION

Every cohort runs on a quarterly cycle. Here's exactly what happens and when, from the moment you apply to graduation day.

Step 01

Application Opens

Applications open 8 weeks before each cohort begins. Space is limited to 20 to 25 young men.

6-8 Weeks Out
Step 02

Interviews

Shortlisted applicants are invited for a brief interview with the Pursue team. Parent or guardian attends with the youth.

3-4 Weeks Out
Step 03

Cohort Begins

Orientation Saturday. Families are present. Shareece opens the cohort personally. 12 weeks of transformation start now.

Week 1
Step 04

Graduation

Final Saturday. Each young man presents his Pursue Plan. Families celebrate. Alumni network welcomes you in.

Week 12
Step 01

Application Opens

Applications open 8 weeks before each cohort begins. Space is limited to 20 to 25 young men per cycle.

6-8 Weeks Out
Step 02

Interviews

Shortlisted applicants are invited for a brief interview. Parent or guardian attends alongside the youth.

3-4 Weeks Out
Step 03

Cohort Begins

Orientation Saturday with families present. Shareece opens every cohort in person. 12 weeks of real work begins.

Week 1
Step 04

Graduation Ceremony

Each young man presents his Pursue Plan. Families celebrate. You walk out an alumni.

Week 12

Cohorts run quarterly. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed as they come in. Submitting early improves your chances of placement in the next available cohort. You'll hear back within two weeks of submitting.

Apply

APPLY TO PURSUE

The first cohort launches in 2026. Space is limited. Complete the application below and we'll be in touch within two weeks.

Youth Information
Parent / Guardian Information
Short Answer Questions

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You'll hear back within 2 weeks.

APPLICATION RECEIVED

We've received the application and our team will review it within two weeks. If selected, we'll reach out with next steps including enrollment paperwork and cohort scheduling. Thank you for trusting us with your family.

Back to Shareece.ai

THE NEXT COHORT LAUNCHES 2026

Space is limited to 20 to 25 youth per cohort. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Apply Now Contact the Team