Hello

My name is Brandon L. Walker, and I am the founder of Built Different Youth Mentorship. I grew up in the Antelope Valley and know firsthand what young people here are facing at home, at school, and in the community.

My Story

I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Grand Canyon University and have spent over a decade investing in youth on and off the court. For more than 10 years, I coached high school basketball, and I also worked at the YMCA for 6 years and in elementary, junior high, and high school settings. Over those years, I saw that a lot of “behavior problems” were really young people carrying pain, confusion, and pressure with nowhere safe to unpack it.

During my MSW internship at a local community day high school, I created a decision-making group and curriculum that provided students with a space to discuss freely, explore the deeper roots behind their choices, and develop more effective ways to respond. Since then, I’ve worked with schools, DCFS, churches, and youth on probation, focusing on identity, accountability, and mental and emotional wellness.

I love speaking with youth, hearing their stories, and meeting them exactly where they are. My approach is real, direct, and rooted in my Christian faith. I talk openly about hope, purpose, and character while respecting every young person’s background and beliefs. Through Built Different, my goal is to build young men who think before they move, lead with integrity, and know they were created for more.

Built Different Youth Mentorship is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation; 501(c)(3) status pending.