Reducing Equity Issues Among Black College Students WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE TO BE THE GREATEST ISSUES FACING AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS TODAY IN THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ENVIRONMENT? PHYLLIS DUKES-HOPSON, PH.D.- COUNSELOR/PROFESSOR LEMUEL E. STEWART III, PSY.D.- COUNSELOR/ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

What the National Data Says:  Black Male Population on college campuses are declining  68% of Black Males who start college, do not graduate within six years.  Black and Latino males in community colleges are more likely to be older, be classified as low income, have dependents and to have delayed their start in higher education.  College readiness is a key factor in understanding the relationship between engagement and outcomes by race and ethnicity.  Black and Latino students are likely to arrive at colleges with greater needs for academic skill development.

What Student Say: (CCCSE Data)  Key Elements to their Success *Personal connections matter *High expectations matter *Instructor qualities matter *Engagement matters *Programs that provide academic and cultural support

Issues Minority Students Experience Lack of motivation Lack of confidence Lack of familiarity Lack of support Competing life factors

Black American Council  The Black American Council was founded by a group of Black American faculty in 1969 as the Black Caucus. Today, the organization has expanded its services to include faculty, staff, students and the community.  Because of our growth and our focus on student success and completion, we have formally changed our name to the Black American Council.  Our mission is to provide programs to support student retention, academic success and closing the equity gap at the college.

Black American Council  The primary focus of the Black American Council has been on individual and group mentoring.  We currently served 513 Black students with a total of 218 faculty, staff and administrators serving as mentors.  Our annual Frances M. Franklin Scholarship Luncheon generates funds to provide scholarships to our mentees for merit, college service, and writing skills. We awarded 43 scholarships last year.

Mission & Goals of Black American Council  To provide programs that support student retention and academic success  To provide opportunities for students to engage in academic, career development and cultural activities.  To provide role models and mentors  To support Black faculty and staff

Services Academic Support Mentoring Access and Engagement Community Service Black American Council

Student Activities Leadership Development Student Support Groups Career Development Community Relationships Black American Council

Black American Council Data

Our Success is based on:  One on one and group mentoring  Course monitoring  Frequent contact with students  Group activities  Discussion groups with real life topics  Exposure to successful role models of color  Tutoring and course assistance

BAC Programs  Mentoring: (Primary Program 513 students 218 faculty and staff mentors)  Black Scholars: (Beginning students and mostly needing developmental education)  Minority Male Leadership Academy: (3 Tier Model)  Minority Women's Leadership Initiative  Choices Group for Women  Scholarships: Francis M. Franklin, MLK, BAC Success and Completion scholarships.

Black American Council MINORITY MALE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY THREE TIER PROGRAM

Mission  To positively impact the retention an increase graduation rates of Men of Color at Cuyahoga Community College through the development of leadership qualities.  In addition to develop Men of Character who are educated, professional career ready and civic minded individuals who are leaders for the 21 st century.

Goal & Objectives  Explore resources related to academic and career success  Expand networking opportunities  Develop a “Success Portfolio” and Goal Plan  Create a “Mentoring Loop” inside an outside of the college  Engage in monthly “Barber Shop Chat” sessions  Engage in a Conversation Series  Exemplify the six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness Respect Responsibility Fairness Caring Citizenship

Barriers Students Face  Many students are not prepared academically or socially for college  Students battle negative stereotypes cast on them by society and faculty  Students have responsibilities of being young (single) parents  Some students deal with caring for younger siblings, parents and/or grandparents  Students face financial hardships and need to work  Students have transportation barriers  Some students are in the process of re-entry back to the community and struggle with the transition (felony restrictions, probation requirements etc.)

Our Programs  Black Scholars Academy- The mission of the Black Scholars Academy is to educate, encourage, empower, and provide guidance to collegiate Black men to facilitate the procurement of future scholars, leaders & men.  The Black Scholars Academy program encourages its participants to utilize the appropriate support services, develop an interest in becoming a lifelong learner and, complete a degree or certificate.

Our Programs  Minority Male Leadership Academy - The mission of MMLA is to positively impact the retention and increase graduation rates of Men of Color at Cuyahoga Community College through the development of leadership qualities. The MMLA program develops men of character who are educated, professional, career-ready and civic minded individuals who are leaders for the 21st century. The Minority Male Student undergoes leadership training, maintains standards of academic progress and exemplifies the 6 Pillars of Character : Trustworthiness Respect Responsibility Fairness Caring Citizenship

Tier I Black Scholars  Students who are mainly first year students  Students who are in need of remedial education  Students in need of personal development coaching  Students in need of intrusive mentoring in making the transition to college

Tier II  Student has earned a 2.0 or better in all credit courses  Student has completed a career assessment (My Plan) that has been interpreted by a Counselor  Student has developed a complete academic and goal plan  Student has regular meetings with a mentor  Student has started career development (resume, job shadowing)(leadership workshop)  Student is exercising the Six Pillars of Character

Tier III  This is the most advanced group  Student is successfully progressing through their selected program  Student has completed the special topic workshops of the program (decision making, communication, dress for success, interviewing etc.)  Student has connected with career services and is utilizing all of the services available  Student possess the emotional and professional skill and maturity necessary to be considered for high level networking opportunities and mentoring  Student has mastered the Six Pillars of Character

Recent Activities  Coordinators have held meet and greets at each campus  The program has recruited approx. 90 participants college wide  New Student Orientation has been a target for recruitment college wide  Minority Male Think Tanks have been held focused on the “Development of a College Man” and “Fairness in Education”  Roses were dispersed to female faculty and staff by our young men (Metro and West Campuses)  Individual meetings and tutoring sessions with the participants are being held at the Metro and West Campuses. Expected to start at East late Spring 2016  Barbershop roundtable discussions are being held at all three campuses. Discussion on Maleness, Black Lives Matter etc. Planning a joint discussion on Male Female Relationships with MWLI Fall 2016.

Upcoming Activities  Cleveland Art Museum field trip African American Art Exhibit  Barbershop Talk schedule: Metro Campus, Eastern Campus and Western Campus  Think Tank discussion on male/female relationships and communication/ Metro & West Campuses  Continue the Safety Tips when Operating with the Police workshops at all campuses.

Minority Women’s Leadership Initiative

Mission of the MWLI  To uplift and encourage minority female students  Academic support  Career assistance  Personal development

Academic Support  Connections with Counseling  Mentoring  Scholarship Opportunities  Tutoring

Career Assistance  Workshops  Connections with Career Center  Networking with women in your field  Activities to build your resume

Personal Development  Mentoring  Group discussions  Workshops  Leadership opportunities

Additional Programs Choices- The mission of Choices is to explore resources of stability, accountability and sustainability for women of color, through mentoring. The Choices program encourages and investigates educational opportunities to aid women as they move forward in their personal growth and professional endeavors.

Contact US  Phyllis Dukes-Hopson Ph.D.  (216) /  Lemuel Stewart III, PSY.D.  (216) /