FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Phoenix, AZ, June 21, 2023] — Phoenix College, a leading institution in higher education and the flagship of the Maricopa County Community College District, is proud to announce that it was awarded a grant from the USC Race and Equity Center to support its Male Empowerment Network (M.E.N.). The grant is part of the Takeoff: Institutional Innovations for College Men of Color project, which aims to advance initiatives that uplift men of color on college campuses nationwide. Phoenix College is one of only 15 community colleges selected for this prestigious grant and the sole recipient in the state of Arizona.
The Takeoff project, led by the USC Race and Equity Center, is made possible through the generous support of the ECMC Foundation. The foundation has committed $20 million to transform the higher education experiences of Black, Latinx, Southeast Asian, and Native American men as part of its Men of Color Initiative. This initiative aims to increase degree attainment among underrepresented populations, addressing the persistently low postsecondary outcomes for male students of color.
“I have experienced first hand the life-changing impact that a strong support network can have on the lives of students”, states Dr. Kimberly Britt, Phoenix College President. “That is why we are thrilled to be part of the Takeoff project, standing alongside 14 other esteemed community colleges across the country. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the USC Race and Equity Center and the ECMC Foundation, working collectively toward creating a more equitable and inclusive higher education landscape, especially for male student population.”
Nationwide, community colleges enroll over half of students of color, yet the graduation rates for men of color remain disappointingly low. In their first community college, less than 30 percent of men of color complete degree programs within three years (2017-2020). The completion rates for bachelor's degrees are equally concerning, with Black (34.3%), Latinx (49.2%), Pacific Islander (48.2%), and Indigenous/Alaska Native (38.%) students completing at alarmingly low rates within six years.
Recognizing the urgency to address this issue, Phoenix College has placed a strong emphasis on supporting men of color and providing resources to enhance their educational journeys. The Male Empowerment Network (M.E.N.) at Phoenix College is dedicated to creating an inclusive and empowering environment that fosters success and persistence among male students of color. The $75,000 grant (awarded over two years) from the USC Race and Equity Center will enable Phoenix College to expand its initiatives and offer even more comprehensive support to its male students of color. Invested in co-creating the success of this program for PC students, USC will work closely with M.E.N. and provide technical support for the length of the grant program.
"This grant is a tremendous help in supporting innovative solutions and existing efforts to support our men of color at Phoenix College" said Aristotle Mosier, Director of Student Life & Leadership at Phoenix College. The funds will be utilized to develop targeted programs, mentoring opportunities, and academic support services, ultimately helping these students overcome barriers and achieve their academic goals.
Learn more about Phoenix College’s Male Empowerment Network (M.E.N.).
About Phoenix College
Phoenix College (PC) welcomed its first students, as one of the first higher education institutions in Maricopa County on September 13, 1920. PC's founders envisioned the College as a place of inclusion, as a non-segregated institution. Today, the College continues to be a place of diversity, equity and access. Our focus on transformation includes seeking out partnerships that work with opportunity youth, refugee and immigrant populations, Hispanic, Asian, Native American populations and adult learners. PC is dedicated to providing access to valuable and affordable education and community services. With more than 150 degree and certificate programs, Phoenix College serves approximately 17,000 students each year.
Phoenix College Media Contact: Christina Flora, Manager of Public Relations and Marketing. christina.flora@phoenixcollege.edu. 602.920-8458. Phoenixcollege.edu
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.