With a policy focus on workforce development and juvenile justice prevention, the H.E.M. Youth Diversion Program is a six-month entrepreneurship and mentoring intervention rooted in the culinary arts. Participants engage in group mentoring, workshops, and peer coaching to improve outcomes such as hope, self-esteem, resilience, entrepreneurial knowledge, and future orientation.

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The H.E.M. initiative, created by Chef Jeff Henderson and implemented through the PEN OR PENCIL Affiliate Network, is sponsored by the National Alliance of Faith and Justice and the 400 Years of African American History Commission. The program is supported by principal investigator Dr. Kideste M. Yusef, associate dean of research and associate professor of criminal justice at Bethune-Cookman University.

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Henderson, known nationally from Oprah’s Life Class, Good Morning America, The Today Show, CNN, and The Steve Harvey Show, brings his personal story of transformation from incarceration to culinary success as a living example of resilience and redemption. Led by credible messengers and trained professionals, the H.E.M. program empowers justice-involved and at-risk youth ages 15–21 through entrepreneurship, hands-on culinary training, career exploration, and personal development.