College of the Redwoods joins consortium to advance success of men of color in community colleges

College of the Redwoods has joined the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL) National Consortium on College Men of Color. Participation in the CCEAL Consortium will enhance CR’s commitment to improving the success of historically underrepresented and underserved students, including men of color.  Interim President Keith Snow-Flamer said “We are excited to be able to collaborate with CCEAL to provide professional development opportunities to our faculty.  This will help us move the needle in regards to student equity.”

 

Despite programs designed to enhance outcomes for men of color, in the United States only 17% and 15% of Black and Latino men, respectively, earn a certificate, degree, or transfer from a community college to a four-year institution in six years. Figures for men from other ethnic groups (e.g., Native American, Southeast Asian) also indicate an insurmountable need for improvement.

 

To combat this achievement gap, the CCEAL Consortium facilitates an exchange of ideas between community colleges across the nation on how best to serve men of color in our educational institutions. Community colleges convene to share their efforts and learn about new strategies for enhancing the success of men of color.

 

As a CCEAL member, College of the Redwoods will utilize

•          Access to CCEAL webinars on men on color

•          Access to the CCEAL virtual discussion board

•          Participation in information-sharing on promising practices with other community colleges

•          Participation in an annual working group meeting hosted in San Diego, CA

 

College of the Redwoods‘ engagement in CCEAL will enhance professional development for faculty and staff, enable informed interventions for their current programs serving men of color, and inspire new initiatives addressing challenges facing these men.  President of CR’s Board of Trustees, Sally Biggin, said “I am proud of the commitment our district has made to promote diversity on our campuses.  Equal access, as well as success, remains one of our top priorities."

 

Launched in February 2015, the CCEAL has already seen much success in information-sharing between community colleges. An average of more than 1,000 consortium members participates in each webinar.

 

“This innovative group of college leaders will be instrumental in implementing cutting-edge practices and policies to address the achievement gap facing underrepresented men,” said Dr. J. Luke Wood, co-director of CCEAL.

 

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