A new program that will be taught strictly by black male instructors and that encourages more black males to enroll in college and complete their education, takes off next fall at Baltimore City Community College?s Liberty Heights campus.
A spring 2007 issue of The Journal on Blacks in Higher Education states that blacks in general, are in the lower ranks when it comes to college graduation However, black females currently lead the charge with a national 42 percent graduation rate.
Professor Johan Vance, spokesperson for the BCCC Department of English, Humanities and Language, developed the African-American Male Initiative project with English professor Melvin Brooks.
BCCC President Carolane Williams said the purpose is to increase the participation and retention rate of black males.
“Professors Vance and Brooks decided they could develop a model where students could be taught by black males, because they may not know how to navigate the higher education environment,” Williams said. “We will also address their affiliation with the higher education environment to get them to feel more comfortable in their experiences and to open up about what about what their needs are.”
Vance said the program is designed to help black males of various ages and backgrounds earn an associate degree in general studies sooner than usual. In doing so, they hope to dispel the myth that disproportionate numbers of young black males have little interest in obtaining a college education.
“The general studies program has been modified so they can earn their associate degree in one year,” Vance said. “Our efforts are part of a national initiative taking place across the country.”
Students who earn the one-year degree can transfer their credits to four-year schools such as nearby Morgan and Coppin state universities as well as the University of Maryland.
Brooks said the program anticipates enrolling between 20 and 30 males the first year. He said the curriculum would include courses in speech and developmental English.
“Students we have talked to are very excited because many of them are working full time and raising families,” Brooks said. “Many will also be returning students who need accelerated programs so they can finish their course work sooner. These accelerated courses will put them on the fast track to achieving a college education.”
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