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What Has Kut Different Done For Me?

Updated: Aug 28

Some Kids Dream of Being Famous. Others Just Want to Be Heard.

In Kut Different’s Communication Class, we don’t just teach young men how to speak. We teach them how to own their story. When a boy discovers his voice, he doesn’t just speak louder. He stands taller. He listens better. He leads stronger.


This summer, eight of those voices will rise to the biggest stage of all: the annual Summer Gala.


Where Words Begin: Inside the Communication Class

Communication Class with Creative Director Johnnathin Hernandez with the mentees at Kut Different Summer Leadership Academy
Communication Class on Thursdays

You can hear it before you see it. A room full of boys, laughing, stumbling, and starting over. Some whisper through introductions. Others recite with fire. But every single one is learning to speak — not just with volume, but with vision.


Each week, our Communication Class equips mentees with the tools to:

  • Present with confidence

  • Make eye contact with purpose

  • Communicate emotion with clarity

  • Network with courage


And yes, we push them — gently but firmly — outside their comfort zones. That’s where growth happens.


The Top 8: Training for the Summer Gala

This isn’t just practice. By the end of the summer, eight young men will be selected to speak at our biggest annual event — the Kut Different Summer Gala. These speeches aren’t performances. They’re declarations. Moments that mark how far they’ve come… and how far they’re going.


Last Year's Kut Different Summer Gala

The journey to that stage includes:

  • Weekly evaluations

  • Peer leadership moments

  • One-on-one feedback

  • Emotional storytelling prompts


What they’ll say isn’t scripted. It’s theirs.


Meet Kai: Quiet No More

Mentee Kai wearing the Kut Different Red Polo T-shirt, smiling at the summer leadership academy location.
Mentee Kai at the Summer Leadership Academy

Kai is one of the shyest kids in the program. When he first arrived, you could barely hear his name when he introduced himself. He kept his hands in his pockets, eyes low, voice lower.


So we called on him. A lot. We had him speak, ask questions, and tell a story. Each time he stepped up, something shifted. This week, he raised his hand to lead without being asked. And when he spoke? The room got still.


He didn’t yell. He didn’t perform. But he stood in full voice — and the room felt it.


"What has Kut Different Done For Me? It helped me become responsible, show respect to others, how to be myself and find my purpose." - Kai


Why This Matters (And Why We Need You)

For every Kai, there’s another boy too scared to speak. He’s got thoughts, dreams, and stories — but no space to say them. Kut Different creates that space.


We don’t just teach skills. We build platforms. We don’t just prepare for the stage. We prepare for life.


You can help us take these boys even further:


Attend the Summer Gala


Become a mentor or sponsor a speaker


Share Our Story


The Mic Is Only the Beginning

The truth is, most of these boys won’t go into public speaking. But every one of them will walk into an interview, a classroom, or a boardroom someday. And when they do, we want them to walk in ready.


Ready to own the room. Ready to speak their truth. Ready to lead.


All it takes is someone to give them a mic — and a reason to use it.


Join us. Help us give voice to greatness.



The Impact of Communication Skills

Communication skills are vital in today’s world. They shape how we connect with others. They influence our ability to share ideas and inspire change.


When young men learn to communicate effectively, they gain confidence. They become leaders. They can articulate their thoughts and feelings. This is crucial for their future success.


Building a Supportive Community

At Kut Different, we believe in the power of community. We create an environment where young men can thrive. They learn from each other. They support one another.


This sense of belonging is transformative. It encourages them to step out of their comfort zones. It fosters resilience and determination.


The Journey Ahead

The journey doesn’t end with the Summer Gala. It’s just the beginning. Each young man will carry these skills into their future. They will face challenges, but they will be equipped to handle them.


Together, we can empower these young men to realize their full potential. Let’s continue to support their growth and development.


Together, we can make a difference.

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