The North Carolina Community College System, the third largest in the country, has made a significant commitment to supporting Black males on campus through mentoring and tutoring. What grew out of a grant helping six community colleges in the state has now grown to include 58 colleges.
Monty Hickman, coordinator of the Male Minority Mentoring program for the state community colleges, says the program works, noting an 80 percent increase in academic improvement.
“It’s not just about their GPA, but impacting issues such as leadership,” Hickman says. “We had a student who was really shy about public speaking and reclusive. That same student has become Student Government Association president on his campus.”
Part of the success at the community colleges is its commitment to renewal and redevelopment of its programs. For the last four years, an annual conference has been held to bring all of the colleges together, along with the community, faith-based institutions and corporate partners to share ideas.
Mentoring in the North Carolina Community College system includes programs that support minority males in middle and high school, and includes White males who may also need support.
“What makes it work is that we customize it for each community the college serves,” Hickman says. “In some communities transportation or unemployment may be a bigger issue; others may need more role models. We bring in speakers, address etiquette and give them experiences that they may not ordinarily have.”
Click here to post and read comments
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
- Community College Jobs