About Us
Empowering Youth to Transcend Boundaries
Beyond Your Block (BYB) is an innovative program founded by entrepreneur, philanthropist and comedian Red Grant, a native of Washington, D.C., and his wife Noell Grant, a retired police officer. Inspired by Red’s own upbringing in Southeast D.C. and the strategies his mother used to guide him on the right path and expose him to diverse cultures, BYB reflects a thoughtful combination of Red’s personal experiences as an at-risk youth and Noell’s 25-year career in law enforcement, primarily focused on youth services. Noell draws from her experiences working with youth at the Police Activities League (PAL), where she faced the challenge of fostering relationships between youth and police. BYB operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Beyond Your Block offers a safe and nurturing environment that fosters skill development and self-esteem, empowering young people to unlock their full potential. BYB develops career-ready youth and provides students with unique opportunities to explore the many layers of diverse cultures through education, arts, professional experiences, cultural diversity, and outreach programs. These programs equip youth participants with powerful capacity-building information. While we provide programs for all youth ages 12-18, BYB focuses on underserved youth, giving them significant exposure opportunities beyond those readily available in their neighborhoods. Young people are introduced to the principles of citizenship and character development through programs focused on social and self-awareness, independence, responsible decision-making, financial education, and relationship skills.
Our Mission
Beyond Your Block exists to ensure that every kid has the opportunity to expand their horizons by transcending their boundaries outside of their neighborhood. By doing so we aim to ignite their curiosity, stimulate creativity, foster critical thinking, enhance physical and mental wellbeing, boost self confidence and independence, nurture social and emotional skills, and ultimately improve their academic performance.
Our Vision
We seek to further establish Beyond Your Block as a community leader and resource for all youth.
Noell Grant
Executive Director
Noell Grant is the Director of Beyond Your Block (BYB), bringing years of youth mentorship experience and a proven track record in transforming young lives through citizenship and character development. Her exceptional leadership has had a positive impact on countless youth.
While in college, Noell spent her summer breaks as a youth camp counselor for the Montgomery County Department of Recreation, where she coached, ran programs, and mentored youth.
As a requirement for a college course, she completed a three-month internship at Noyes Detention Center, mentoring and tutoring incarcerated youth. Noell also worked at an adult male maximum security prison. These experiences equipped her to provide troubled youth with insights into life as an incarcerated individual.
Red Grant
Associate Director
Red Grant is the co-founder of Beyond Your Block (BYB), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through skill development and cultural exposure. Born and raised in Southeast Washington, D.C., Red understands firsthand the struggles, temptations, and adversity that many young people face.
After graduating high school, Red began his career working at the D.C. Department of Recreation, where he coached and mentored youth. He later played Division I football at Savannah State University.
Red transitioned into a successful career in film and television as a comedian, actor, and writer. He went on to produce shows for BET and Viacom networks. His concern for youth involved in crime in Washington, D.C., led him to run for mayor against the incumbent. Red’s notable third-party mayoral performance in the District of Columbia is highlighted on Wikipedia.
What We Do
our programs
Cultural
Excursions
Exposing youth to places and experiences beyond those in their
neighborhood.
Shoot
Cameras
Empowering students to take their ideas from initial concept through the creative process
Citizenship &
Character Development
Youth play an active role in enhancing and uplifting their community.
Board of Directors
Skip Bland
President
Dawn Hancock
Program Director / Board member
Tammy Williams
Board Member
Nathan White
Board Member
