DAC Award for Excellence: GateWay Community College

Minority Male Leadership Program

Diversity Infusion Program 2007 The Minority Male Leadership Program (MMLP) was developed as a holistic series of seminars targeting minority males attending GWCC and GW Early College High School. The program is specifically designed to help prepare future leaders to be proficient in all aspects of life and leadership. It was offered as a pilot in fall of 2005 and has continued each semester since, using the theme, “Building success one seminar at a time.”

The goal of MMLP is to improve retention and graduation rates of minority men at GateWay by promoting goal setting and positive choices in decision making, developing job seeking skills and work force preparedness, and providing an open forum for minority men to discuss issues and concerns with professionals and mentors.

MMLP recognizes that one of the things that impedes inclusion and becomes a barrier to success is the impact of stereotypes. Therefore MMLP forums bar nothing in discussions while challenging participants to reduce their own stereotypes and defuse attitudes in others based on a lack of information. Students are engaged in effective and responsive communication and behaviors. They learn to understand themselves, the culture from which they come, and how to get along in a multicultural environment. They address self-defeating behaviors including gang behavior, machismo, “that’s the way we’ve always done it” mindsets including challenging the “secrets” they’ve been told by uncles and dads. They explore relationships with women (mother, sister, girlfriend, employers, and co-workers).

Discussions also address cultural differences and cultural understanding in preparation for effectively taking one’s place in the work world. Participants in the program have included African, African American and Hispanic men. Conversations range from global cultural challenges to work-day fundamental such as how to shine shoes, when to wear tie, etc.  Whatever is needed is provided.  Seminars are interactive utilizing guest speakers and panelists from among GateWay male faculty members and corporate Arizona.

Participants gain confidence in themselves and develop a sense of personal responsibility to succeed and be a role model. As Wiley Davis says, “The days of saying I didn’t know or my color impedes me are over.  You are accountable.  This is how you move around in this world.  And if you don’t know, ask…learn.” Ultimately MMLP forums create a safe space for students to reflect and consciously develop their own value system.

One of the long-term objectives of the project is to help implement such programs at each Maricopa college. Results have been very positive especially among the Gateway Early College High School participants. In this year’s cohort, all 20 regular attendees of the program (14 HS, 6 college) have remained in school. Data on successful completion, performance and retention in 2007-2008 will be available in the fall. In the meantime anecdotal feedback from students and faculty suggests positive impact including students from the high school asking, “When are we meeting next?” and “Can I bring a friend.” 

Strategic Directions: Maximizing Access, Creating Dynamic Learning Environments