Abstract
This manuscript will provide an anecdotal report of the key elements of Monmouth University’s Empowering Young Black Males Leadership Mentoring program and its relevance to the university’s goals for diversity and inclusion. The program served dual roles, one as a catalyst for access to opportunities for personal and academic achievement for high school Black male students (mentees), and a retention initiative for current Black male college students (mentors). Throughout the program, participants were exposed to various leadership development workshops and topics related to academic, career, college access, and personal success. The program created a transformative learning opportunity for Monmouth’s current Black male students to connect, inspire, and empower the next generation of young Black males toward personal and academic achievement. These mentoring opportunities provided engaging experiences that extend beyond the classroom. In addition, these experiences assisted in preparing the mentors for life after Monmouth as future community leaders and advocates.
Recommended Citation
Smith, V. L., Smith, S. M., & O'Brien, L. R. (2021). Monmouth’s Empowering Young Black Males Leadership Mentoring Program: A Catalyst for Retention, Access & Student Success. Journal of Access, Retention, and Inclusion in Higher Education, 3(1). Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/jarihe/vol3/iss1/5