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DCCC Joins Consortium Dedicated to Advancement of Men of Color

Davidson County Community College has joined the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL) National Consortium on College Men of Color (NCCMC). The NCCMC is the first consortium dedicated specifically to advancing success of men of color in community colleges.
“Participation in the NCCMC will enhance our commitment to improving the success of historically underrepresented and underserved students, including men of color,” said Margaret Annunziata, newly appointed Vice President of Academic Affairs at DCCC.

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. Data related to men from other ethnic groups (e.g., Native American, Southeast Asian) also indicate an insurmountable need for further attention and resources.

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

“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.

As a NCCMC member, DCCC will receive the benefit of information sharing and learning opportunities with community colleges nationwide, assessment tools to help evaluate programs, and access to a network of institutions also seeking to close the achievement gap for underrepresented students. DCCC’s engagement with the NCCMC will also enhance professional development for faculty and staff, enable informed interventions for current programs serving men of color, and inspire new initiatives addressing challenges facing these students.