The Institute was founded in by Mr. William Keyes, who spent more than two decades working on Capitol Hill, at the White House, and in public policy consulting. As executive director of a summer institute at Georgetown University, Keyes witnessed firsthand the impact that such a program could have on young people. However, he found that very few African American men took advantage of such opportunities. In some instances, students did not attend because they did not have mentors who explained the benefits of such programs. In other instances, students could not attend because their families lacked the financial resources to make their participation possible.

The Institute addresses these problems by providing an intensive program specifically designed for African American male students. Because of the generosity of numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals, America's best and brightest African American men are able to benefit from the Institute at no cost to themselves or their families.

Keyes incorporated the Institute on April 13, 2001 and received the determination of tax-exempt status in December 2001.  Keyes opened the doors of the Institute for Responsible Citizenship in Washington, DC on January 2, 2003.