• Mentorship that helps young men build the confidence and practical skills to navigate adulthood.

    The years between adolescence and adulthood come with new choices, responsibilities, relationships, and expectations. Young men should not have to figure all of that out on their own.

    The Standard Institute serves young men ages 13–21 with mentorship, practical learning, real-life experiences, workforce preparation, and access to opportunities that help them grow more confident and prepared for adulthood.

    Discipline. Ownership. Readiness.

  • our founder

    Terrance Watson
    Founder & Executive Director

  • Growing up, I wish I had access to the kind of guidance, brotherhood, and support we are building at The Standard Institute. Years later, as a foster parent to seven children, I saw firsthand how important consistent adults and real opportunities can be in a young person’s life.

    My experience fostering a 15-year-old young man stayed with me. It showed me how much there is to navigate between adolescence and adulthood and how valuable it is to have someone in your corner.

    That experience helped shape The Standard Institute. We are building this work one young man at a time, helping young men become more confident and prepared to navigate adulthood.

    Terrance Watson
    Founder & Executive Director
    The Standard Institute

Our Team

Micah bratton

Program Associate

Micah Bratton is a film major at Texas Southern University with experience mentoring and supporting young people through nonprofit organizations. Before joining The Standard Institute, he designed and led a confidence-building workshop for young golfers.

Micah plans to build a career in film, with the long-term goal of writing and directing feature films and establishing his own production company.

  • Our Philosophy

    Young men should not have to navigate the path to adulthood alone.

    We believe young men grow through consistent mentorship, a community where they belong, and opportunities to learn through real experiences.

    At TSI, young men are challenged, encouraged, and supported as they build confidence, take responsibility, and develop the practical skills to navigate adulthood.

  • Our Foundation

    Discipline. Ownership. Readiness.

    Discipline
    Building the habits, consistency, and self-control required to follow through.

    Ownership
    Taking responsibility for choices, actions, and the direction of your life.

    Readiness
    Preparing for adulthood through experiences that develop practical skills, resilience, and perspective.

The Community Behind The Standard

The Standard Institute is being built with the support of people who believe young men deserve consistent mentorship, meaningful opportunities, and a community invested in helping them prepare for adulthood.