The educational challenges for male students of color are materially different in the K–12 sector as compared to postsecondary education, but there is no denying the good sense in considering cross-sector perspectives in diagnosing the structural challenges that affect males of color across the educational pipeline. The Texas Education Consortium for Male Students of Color—headquartered in the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement at the University of Texas at Austin–has worked diligently to bridge these institutional differences through identifying common success metrics, sharing support strategies, and identifying myriad points of alignment with K-12, community college, and four-year institution partners across the state of Texas.
This Viewpoints Brief, released today by the American Council on Education, shares key insights that this state-wide Consortium has employed in launching and sustaining a strategic, cross-sector effort that focuses on improving the educational outcomes for male students of color. The Brief examines the state and national context for males of color, highlighting key data trends that illuminate the pervasive gender gap in educational attainment. In addition, the brief reviews the importance of President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative which is building momentum and elevating this issue to a national conversation. The brief also provides details about the Consortium goals and activities, and it discusses emergent lessons learned through almost three years of collaboration with Consortium institutional partners. The report concludes by providing tangible next steps, a “blueprint for action” that institutional leaders across educational sectors should consider in embracing this issue as an educational imperative.
Dr. Victor Saenz, Executive Director of the Consortium notes that “in sharing our story, our goals, and our emerging lessons learned, we believe that the Consortium can serve as a model for other states or regions that aspire to take the lead on improving educational outcomes for male students of color. In our view, this issue is perhaps the most compelling educational challenge of our time, one that has garnered the attention of national leaders and gained greater urgency in light of the broader economic and societal implications that it portends.” To read full brief click here
