Male Success Initiative

The Male Success Initiative supports the development of male-identifying students with a particular focus on Black, Pacific Islander, Native students and students from rural areas to academically succeed, explore their identity, and gain professional experience for post-graduation success.

In close partnership with the Center for Equity and Student Belonging and the American Indian Resource Center, the Black Cultural Center leads the Male Success Initiative’s mission to support the inclusion, belonging, and academic success of male-identifying students of color and students from rural areas throughout their higher education career and into post-graduation success — with a particular focus on Black, Pacific Islander, Native students and students from rural areas.

Goals

Improve retention and graduation rates of male-identifying students of color at the University of Utah
Become a cultural conduit for male-identifying students of color on campus
Promote self-awareness, acceptance, and love
Increase career readiness and post-graduation job placement for male-identifying students of color

Program Structure

Retreats
Peer mentorship
Bi-monthly meetings
Identity and skill workshops
Social activities

The Challenge

In a ground-breaking 2018 study, Harvard, Stanford, and US Census researchers found that Black and Native American boys had abysmal odds of attaining household wealth -- even if they came from wealthy, stable households themselves -- reporting that these gaps in economic mobility are reflected in the disproportionately low enrollment, retention, and success metrics of male students of color in higher education.

Since 2000, male-identifying students of color have had lower enrollment in undergraduate programs than female-identifying students of color. The trend deepens when it comes to attainment. While this is typical across many racial and ethnic groups, exacerbation by the COVID pandemic has caused a larger drop in students. Across the US, leaders are wondering where have the male students of color gone? What can be done to bring them back and better ensure their success in college and beyond?

The Male Success Initiative will challenge existing narratives of success, mitigate achievement gaps, and nurture the academic and professional development of male-identifying students of color at the University of Utah.

Black Cultural Center Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

Centers & Offices

Goals

Program Structure

Black Cultural Center

The Challenge