When Jeremiah Baldwin speaks about his work, one guiding principle shines through: Lift as I climb. For Baldwin, success is only meaningful if it paves the way for others. That belief inspired him and his mother, Bridgette Baldwin, to launch The Baldwin Institute for Excellence Foundation earlier this year, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring and empowering the next generation of leaders in Corpus Christi and beyond.
“My motto really is about what the name implies,” Baldwin explained. “It’s about reaching out and lifting your fellow man up. ‘Lift as I climb’ means ensuring that the next generation of leaders is equipped with the resources needed to succeed.”
The Baldwin Institute centers its mission on education, empowerment and leadership. Its signature curriculum, The Baldwin Blueprint, provides students with concrete tools for college readiness while deepening their pride in Black history and culture. Through panel-driven workshops and mentorship, the Blueprint connects students with leaders across the country who model confidence, service and scholarship. Sessions focus on practical skills like interview and resume prep, as well as purpose-driven leadership, so participants leave with both a plan and the belief that they belong in every room they enter.
“What continues to drive my work is that I love seeing the light bulb go off in people,” Baldwin shared. “That ‘Aha!’ moment when they finally unlock their full potential, that’s what keeps me going.”
Community celebration is woven into the learning. The inaugural Mister & Miss Juneteenth Coronation Ball this June was the capstone of a months-long leadership journey. Students earned points through attendance and engagement, interviewed with community judges and presented themselves as scholar-leaders. The evening featured speakers from beyond Texas and robust local support, and culminated in $4,500 in scholarships along with the crowning of Catherine Hall and Ethan White, who now serve as ambassadors for the program’s ideals of pride, service and excellence. Looking ahead, the Institute is preparing for its second Coronation Ball in June 2026, with applications opening this winter.
For Bridgette, the institute answers a long-standing need in South Texas. “It’s important that the children know the culture and where they come from, because if you don’t know where you come from, you can’t say where you’re going,” she said. “They need to be aware that they didn’t come from nothing. We are educated, we’re cultured, we have a lot of history and so much to be proud of.”
Together, the Baldwins see the foundation as more than a program. It’s a legacy of mentorship, cultural pride and opportunity for Corpus Christi youth. After working in Washington, D.C., and seeing so many different ways of doing things, Jeremiah felt compelled to bring that knowledge and vision back home. “I believe God put it on my heart to do something for the community,” he said. “Mentoring and teaching are my passions, and I want to make sure we don’t forget about the people right here in my own city.”
