CCBC Male Student Success Initiative (MSSI) - 2023 Year in Review

MSSI

MEN MOVING FORWARD

MSSI SCHOLARS MSSI SCHOLARS

Learn how academically Learn how academically talented men of color are talented men of color are soaring at CCBC soaring at CCBC

MSSI BY THE NUMBERS

MSSI BY THE NUMBERS

Updated data outlining the Updated data outlining the growth and success growth and success

COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF BALTIMORE COUNTY’S MALE STUDENT

SUCCESS INITIATIVE IS REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

WELCOME BACK!

Welcome to the 2023 Year in Review

CCBC Male Student Success Initiative (MSSI) Magazine! In this issue, we are excited to bring you updated data points that will assist in outlining the success of both the program and it’s students. This issue also includes a diverse range of letters, articles, and features that we hope will inspire you to continue in support of this very important program for men of color in the Baltimore region. As you delve into the pages ahead, we invite you to join us on a journey of discovery and enlightenment. Thank you for being a part of our MSSI community, and we hope you enjoy this issue!

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MSSI STAFF & COLLABORATORS

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

LETTER FROM THE DEAN

MSSI SCHOLARS

MSSI STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

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MSSI BY THE NUMBERS: DATA UPDATE

CCBC INVESTMENTS IN MSSI

MSSI PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIPS

TEACHING ENGLISH IN COLOR

INTRODUCING MSSI AMBASSADORS

Staff

Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Kenneth Westary

Director

Sunni L. Solomon II

Assistant Director

Jeffrey Wright

Essex Success Mentors

Derick Ebert

Micah Mathis

Catonsville Success Mentors

Bernard M’kumbuzi

Collaborators

DepartmentChair,Business Studies

MarkWilliams

Dean,SpecialAcademic Programs

AdrianneWashington

Dean,Teaching&Learning

DallasDolan

Dean,StudentDevelopment

ChadAdero

SeniorDirector,Planning, Research&Evaluation

GlendaBreaux

DepartmentChair,English GregCampbell

AssociateProfessor,English JewelJackson

CampusDirector-Catonsville JohariBarnes

Director,FinancialAid Operations&Technology NasimReich

Director,College& CommunityOutreach

HeatherGriner

The continued leadership and support of CCBC President, Dr. Sandra Kurtinitis cannot be understated. Her focus on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility have been a driving force in the growth and effectiveness of the Male Student Success Initiative

Pictured: MSSI Scholars & Staff, Winter 2024 Blueprint for Success Retreat bowling night.

Sunni L. Solomon II

Director, Male Student Success Initiative

FROM THE DIRECTOR

NOT ALL MEN OF COLOR ARE FAILING OR DISINTERESTED IN EDUCATION. BE WILLING TO SEE THEIR TALENTS. BE WILLING TO NURTURE THEIR POTENTIAL. BE WILLING TO INVEST IN THEIR FUTURES.

CommunityCollegeofBaltimoreCounty’sMaleStudentSuccess Initiative(MSSI)isaone-of-a-kindnationalmodelforuplifting, developing,retaining,andexpandingtheacademicgiftsofmenof color.Fromtheunmatchedinstitutionalsupportforthe Initiativefromseniorleadershiptothesincerepassion exhibitedbyourfaculty&stafftogetinvolvedanddevelop enhancedskillstosupportmenofcolor–theCCBCfamilyis leadingthepackwhenitcomestothisveryimportantwork!

ThroughthegeneroussupportofCCBCPresidentDr.Sandra Kurtinitis,22MSSIstudentswereabletotakeoneWinter2024 courseforFREE.ALL22COMPLETEDtheirWinter coursework,and77%ofthemearnedagradeof‘A’.

ThecontinuedsupportoftheCCBCFoundation,andvarious externalphilanthropicdonorsandfoundationshasallowedMSSI Studentstotraveltothefollowingstatesforacademicresearch andexperientiallearningin2023:

·LosAngeles,California

·Philadelphia,Pennsylvania

·Washington,DC

·NewYork,NewYork(Harlem)

TheInitiativenowincludesPeerTutoring,MSSIAmbassadors, MSSICertifiedFaculty,CulturallyContextualizedCourses,MSSI AcademicDevelopment101courses,MSSIScholars,the ECMC/USCRace&EquityCenter’sTakeoffGrant,Professional Internships&CareerReadinessWorkshopsandmore!Wehope youenjoyreadingaboutalloftheinnovationsandgrowthtaking placeatCCBC

Pleasecontinuetosupportandencouragetheseveryimportant effortstosupportamddevelopmenofcolorintheBaltimore region.

FROM THE DEAN

THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN HONORS AND MSSI IS A NATIONAL MODEL THAT CAN BE USED TO ADDRESS SYSTEMIC INEQUALITIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION BY PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR HISTORICALLY MARGINALIZED GROUPS TO EXCEL.

The CCBC Honors College is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, accessibility to both traditional and non-traditional students, and its focus on diversity, equity and belonging. Honors programming traditionally attracts high-achieving students, but without diversity initiatives, they may inadvertently perpetuate disparities in access to educational opportunities. The partnership between Honors and MSSI at CCBC is focused on actively recruiting and supporting men of color to join Honors.

The Honors College is committed to an environment where all individuals feel valued and respected. This year, our intentional focus on the recruitment of underrepresented students within honors challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about their capabilities, intelligence, and potential. It highlights the diverse talents, skills, and achievements within this demographic, thereby fostering inclusivity and combating prejudice. 17 MSSI students are recipients of an inaugural merit scholarship series that celebrates the academic achievements of students who maintain a 3.5 GPA.

The partnership between Honors and MSSI is a national model that can be used to address systemic inequalities in higher education by providing opportunities for historically marginalized groups to excel. I am hopeful that as our partnership expands, more students will feel empowered to join a learning environment that motivates students to recognize and fulfill their potential.

Adrianne Washington Dean of Special Academic Programs

DURING THE 2023-2024 ACADEMIC YEAR MSSI RECEIVED A 2-YEAR $75,000 GRANT FROM TAKEOFF: INSTITUTIONAL INNOVATIONS FOR COLLEGE MEN OF COLOR, A PROJECT LED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (USC) RACE AND EQUITY CENTER AND FUNDED BY THE ECMC FOUNDATION.

The ECMC Foundation provided the USC Race and Equity Center $1.8 million as part of their $20 million Men of Color Initiative to launch the Takeoff project. Takeoff provides capital and technical support to community colleges nationwide that are dedicated to improving degree completion at all levels of post-secondary education for men of color.

As 1 of 15 awardees, this grant supports MSSI in its efforts to expand access to honors education through engagement strategies that support students’ academic careers and socioeconomic health. Currently, Black and Latino male students account for approximately 45 percent of the male student population at CCBC but only 6.9 percent of the Honors Program student population.

In partnership with the Honors Program, MSSI is using this grant to increase retention, completion and transfer success for high achieving male students of color at CCBC. A specialized team of faculty, staff and students has been assembled from across departments to engage in intentional recruitment efforts that better serve CCBC’s higher achieving men of color, specifically targeting Black and Latino males.

Through this collaboration between MSSI and the Honors Program the college hopes to create inclusive, safe spaces for high achieving male students of color.

MSSI SCHOLARS: RAISING THE BAR

THE MSSI & HONORS COLLEGE TAKEOFF GRANT WORK FOCUSES ON CREATING PATHWAYS THAT WILL ENSURE BLACK AND LATINX MEN HAVE EQUITABLE ACCESS TO CONNECTIVE HIGH QUALITY ACADEMIC EXPERIENCES, SUPPORT STRUCTURES, AND TRANSFER/ SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES.

Our Commitments

This work is not about typecasting or segregating gifted students; instead this work centers around helping Black and LatinX male students to embrace their own identity as scholars and academic achievers who are supported and can accomplish anything they commit themselves to.

As part of the Takeoff Grant we have identified 5 commitments that we would like to address/implement over the 2-year period:

Structured Completion & Transfer Guidance Student Scholar Self-actualization

Contextualized/Representative MSSI Academic + Career Counseling

College-wide Professional Educational Opportunities & Support Around Racial Equity/Men of Color in Higher Education for Faculty & Staff

Curriculum Redesign: Implementation of Contextualized Courses for Fall 2024

Enrollment

MSSI Scholars Activities

Fall 2022

Initial MSSI Scholars Programming: 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop

Research Project: Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture Harlem, NY

Spring 2023

Hip Hop (W)righting Weekend Seminars w/ Dr. Bernard Hall

Research Project:

Drexel University & The Roots Picnic Philadelphia, PA

Fall 2023

MSSI Scholars Alpha Cohort in collaboration with CCBC Honors College

40 students identified - Avg. GPA 3.5

2-day Transfer Prep Bootcamp

3-day Blueprint for Success Retreat

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture

Owings Mills, MD Washington, DC

Takeoff Grant

Implementation

Team Member

Communications & Media

Studies Major

3.39 GPA

Expected Graduation

Spring 2024

Leadership Experience:

MSSI Scholar

MSSI Ambassador

CCBC Honors Student Student Life Ambassador

Branden Burrows

THE TAKEOFF GRANT IS AN IMPORTANT ADDITION TO MSSI. THIS OPPORTUNITY IS HELPING STUDENTS LIKE ME BECOME LEADERS, AND PROVIDING US WITH SUPPORTS TO PURSUE OUR EDUCATIONAL GOAL AND TRANSFER TO 4-YEAR UNIVERSITIES.

MSSI IS CONSTANTLY PROMOTING EDUCATION IN IT’S EVENTS, WORKSHOPS, OR TRIPS. THE PROGRAM IS GREAT AT INCORPORATING EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING. THAT’S THE KEY COMPONENT BECAUSE IT HELPS US AS STUDENTS RETAIN MORE INFORMATION AND INCREASES OUR ENGAGEMENT. IT ALSO PROMOTES SCHOLARSHIP & COMMUNITY THROUGH THE PROCESS OF LEARNING BY DOING.

Jalin Boger

General Studies Major 3.23 GPA

Expected Graduation Spring 2024

MSSI Ambassador

MSSI Student Assistant

MSSI Scholar

CCBC Honors Student

ONE EXAMPLE OF AN EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING EXPERIENCE WAS THE CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS THAT REVOLVED AROUND THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIP HOP, AND RESULTED IN US ATTENDING THE ROOTS PICNIC IN PHILDELPHIA, PA. THAT WAS AN OPPORTUNITY I WILL NEVER FORGET!

MSSI DOES A REALLY GOOD JOB AT KEEPING US ENGAGED ACADEMICALLY, AND KEEPING US LEARNING AND EXPERIMENTING, AND GAINING EXPERIENCES; WHILE ALSO ALLOWING US TO HAVE FUN AND ENJOY THOSE EXPERIENCES.

MSSI BY THE NUMBERS:

Retention Performance

MSSI students tended to have higher next semester retention than their counterparts not in MSSI, but the gap closed in Fall 2023.

With the exception of Spring 2020 (COVID-19), MSSI students continue to have a higher 1 year retention rate than their counterparts not involved in MSSI.

MSSI BY THE NUMBERS:

GPA Performance

More than half of the MSSI students (across cohorts) who were enrolled in the fall 2023 semester had Term GPAs ABOVE 2.0. There is a slight difference of 1 percentage point between students in the 2 to 3 GPA band (26%) and those in the 3 to 4 GPA band (27%).

Non-MSSI students have historically had higher cumulative GPAs than MSSI students. While this gap expanded at the beginning of the pandemic, it has closed considerably since.

MSSI BY THE NUMBERS:

billable hours & growth

MSSIexperiencedan 84%increasein studentparticipation betweenSpring 2023andFall2023.

EnteringtheSpring 2024semester,MSSI hasseena22%(and counting)increase sincetheendofFall 2023.

More than half (54%) of the total MSSI students enrolled in Fall 2023 passed 75%-100% of the billable hours they attempted (235 students). However, 25% (114 students) did not pass any of their attempted billable hours.

COLLEGE OF BALTIMORE COUNTY

INVESTMENTS

New Opportunities for Growth

MSSI Current MSSI Future

Currently Black and Latino men make up 45% of CCBC’s male student population MSSI has been hard at work expanding the footprint of the program through targeted recruitment efforts and expanded programmatic offerings, enhancing the benefits of the program and creating a robust student experience. This has resulted in 420+ men participating in MSSI. Still the only permanent physical space for MSSI exists at the Essex campus While conducting a comprehensive SWOT Analysis on MSSI, the need for expansion of the physical presence of the program from Essex to both the Catonsville and Dundalk campuses was identified as both a weakness and opportunity as we continue to recruit new students from these campuses They absolutely deserve the FULL MSSI experience

Why are the MSSI Suites Important?

Having a physical space for male students of color to retreat to and call home at CCBC is crucial to fostering a sense of belonging, community, and support At a diverse community college like CCBC, students come from various backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Having a designated space on campus where they can gather, connect, and share their unique perspectives creates a sense of inclusivity and acceptance The current MSSI suite on the Essex campus serves as a kind of sanctuary where male students of color can seek refuge

from the academic and social challenges they may face, find solidarity with others who share similar identities, and access resources tailored to their needs. The MSSI suite not only promotes academic success but also nurtures personal growth and development, ultimately enriching the college experience for these men

What Does Growth Look Like?

ThankstothecontinuousinterestinthesuccessofMSSI fromDr.Kurtinitis,VicePresidentWestary,andthe completeSeniorLeadershipteam,theneedforexpansion ofandenhancementstotheInitiativehavenotgone unnoticed

In2023CCBCmadeseveralnewcommitmentstoMSSI: ThecreationofaFull-TimeMSSIAcademic Coordinatorpositiontoprovidemoreintrusive support&casemanagementtoourstudentshaving academicdifficulties

1 AdedicatedphysicalspaceforMSSIonthe Catonsvillecampuswithupdatedfurnishingsand accesstostate-of-the-arttechnologytoassist studentsintheiracademicpursuits.

2 Thefull-timepositionhasreceived50+applicants,anda searchcommitteeiscurrentlyconductinginterviews RenovationsareunderwayattheCatonsvilleAlumni HousetobecomethenewMSSISuite.Bothshouldbe completedbythecloseofSpring2024.

Pictured: Current CCBC Essex MSSI Suite

Pictured: NEW CCBC Catonsville MSSI Suite Location

MSSI PROVIDES PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIPS

How it all got started...

MSSI Paid Internships began during the summer of 2021 with Stanley Black and Decker providing our initial paid internships. During this time, two students participated and were assigned to work at Home Depot to assist with sales for various products that were manufactured by Stanley Black and Decker.

The company was so impressed with these students that they interned again in the summer of 2022.

What is an MSSI Internship?

We recognize that our men are extremely vulnerable to financial insecurity, and we hear them when they express the necessity to work and support their households For this reason, ALL MSSI INTERNSHIPS ARE PAID. All students receiving an internship through MSSI will be paid between $18.00-$28.00 per hour. These internships are exclusively for MSSI students. The internships span multiple industries and are typically held during the summer months.

To prepare for internships, students receive job descriptions and are invited to participate in information sessions that relate to their potential internship opportunity and experience. Ultimately, these internships prepare students for their chosen career fields. As they intern, students are paired with professional mentors and form bonds that assist them in becoming acclimated to the corporate structure and culture of their respective internship company

How are Students Selected?

Students must be active in MSSI to become involved in the internship initiative All interested students must have a highquality resume on file with their respective mentor. Students are required to have a minimum of a 2.5 gpa with at least 12 college credits completed. They are also required to attend information sessions, interview for the internship position and receive an official internship offer letter Once students receive an offer letter, they will receive onboarding instructions per the company's protocol in partnership with MSSI

From here, they will be required to follow all guidelines and responsibilities of the internship provider

Benefits of an Internship

A professional internship is a strong resume builder, provides students with substantial work experience in their desired field. Through internships, MSSI students receive the preparation to succeed in the professional employment landscape. MSSI internship providers are partners of the initiative and are heavily invested in the success of each individual intern. The Initiative maintains an open line of communication to support and enrich the student's internship experience Our goal is to see all MSSI Interns succeed at a high level while gaining career knowledge and work experience.

MSSI Advisory Board Support

The MSSI Advisory Board includes CCBC administrators and corporate partners. Their work centers on preparing and providing MSSI students with internship and career opportunities. Several MSSI internships are supplied by this very important body.

Current MSSI Internship providers include:

Stanley Black and Decker

Baltimore Gas and Electric CareFirst

Harkin Builders

Whiting Turner MedStar

NASA Junior Achievement Comcast

CCBC IT Department

Johns Hopkins Cener for Talented Youth

CCBC Workforce Development

Fearless Northrop Grumman

Pictured: Jeffrey Wright, MSSI Assistant Director & Internship Coordinator

TEACHING ENGLISH 101 IN COLOR

...WITNESSING THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF EDUCATION TO IGNITE CRITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND FOSTER SOLIDARITY AMONG MSSI MEMBERS FILLS ME WITH IMMENSE JOY

Teaching this English 101 course specifically tailored for members of the Male Student Success Initiative was an incredibly fulfilling journey. Engaging with texts by profound voices such as James Baldwin and contemporary icons like Jay Z sparked enlightening discussions that delved deep into the complexities of our identities and the societal structures that shape them. Baldwin's timeless insights into race, gender, and identity provided a vibrant soundboard for exploration, while Jay Z's contemporary perspective brings relevancy and resonance to our discussions on legacy. The fusion of literature, music, and lived experiences in our classroom fostered a dynamic learning environment where students not only critically engaged with the texts but also connected them to their own lived realities. As an instructor, witnessing the transformative power of education to ignite critical consciousness and foster solidarity among MSSI members fills me with immense joy. It reaffirms the importance of culturally responsive pedagogy in shaping inclusive and empowering learning spaces.

Derick Ebert, MFA MSSI

MSSI AMBASSADORS 2023-2024

MSSI AMBASSADORS ARE PEER LEADERS APPOINTED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP OF MSSI TO SERVE AS LIAISONS BETWEEN STUDENTS AND VARIOUS CAMPUS PROGRAMS, RESOURCES, AND SERVICES. THE AMBASSADORS PROMOTE A POSITIVE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE AND PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE IN FOSTERING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND BELONGING WITHIN MSSI.

Damion B. Hocker

Major: Business Administration

Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

Ayoade “Ayo” Adeosun

Major: Network Technology

Expected Graduation: Fall 2024

Jalin Boger

Major: General Studies

Expected Graduation: Spring 2024

Emmanuel Marshall

Major: General Studies

Expected Graduation: Spring 2024

Eric Patterson

Major: Music

Expected Graduation: Fall 2024

Branden Burrows

Major: Communication & Media Studies

Expected Graduation: Spring 2024

Kelvin Delgado

Major: Engineering

Expected Graduation: Spring 2024

Chudie Eden

Major: Engineering

Expected Graduation: Fall 2024

Carlos Lopez

Major: Aviation

Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

Siraj Ahmed

Major: Computer Science

Expected Graduation: Fall 2025

Q & A WITH THE NEW MSSI AMBASSADORS

Question: Why should men of color attending CCBC join MSSI?

Damion: Men of color should join MSSI (Male Student Success Initiative), because it’s a safe haven for students to listen, learn, and be heard. Students that join MSSI will have mentors that will help them achieve goals, build networking skills, and prepare for the transfer process.

Ayo: They should join the MSSI because there is a true spirit of community, brotherhood, and growth here. From the mentors to the director to the ambassadors, and fellow students, everyone is in alignment with supporting one another on their journeys in education and life as a whole

Question: What made you want to join MSSI?

Branden: I knew this community was made for me and that I was a perfect fit. Mr Wright saw potential in me two years ago and grew many friends and connections.

Chudie: Honestly, it was when I saw my friends prevail while being a part of the organization. That made me want to take advantage of the opportunity.

Question: Why are you excited to be an MSSI Ambassador?

Jalin: I am excited to be an MSSI Ambassador because I want to be able to spread the MSSI’s message and help the MSSI in taking action to support men of color.

MSSI AMBASSADORS

2023-2024

Question: How has MSSI assisted you in staying on track towards your degree?

Chudie: MSSI has allowed me to connect with people in the same field as me They have also made me feel prioritized when it comes to advice with their open-door policy.

Branden: MSSI has been assisting me during my transfer process as I near graduation. I appreciate my mentor sessions because they remind me to apply for universities and scholarshipsI have a busy schedule and lose track of things.

Jalin: MSSI has helped me stay on tracked by providing great mentorship and creating workshops, and trips based on education. This makes learning fun but also keeps us on track with our degrees and learning. The college application workshops, retreat, and college visits has helped figure out which schools I want to attend, while also staying on top of our applications and FASFA forms

Ayo: What made me want to join MSSI was the emphasis on Black Male brotherhood. Although the club is not exclusively for this sub-group, I felt the importance placed upon this group from the moment I stepped into the office on the Essex campus That type of full-court press provides another level of comfort and confidence knowing that support is accessible for people who specifically look like me

Question: What has been your most memorable experience as part of this program?

Damion: My most memorable experience as part of MSSI was when I was given the opportunity to share my story with the CCBC Board of Trustees

Ayo: My most memorable part of the program thus far was our trip to Philadelphia in the summer of 2023 As a group, we visited Drexel University where we were able to engage in an extremely enriching Hip-Hop writing class with Dr. Hall and then we attended the Roots Picnic music festival.

Chudie: My most memorable experience was the winter retreat we had. I met so many new people and had conversations that I did not know I needed It was a fun way to learn and grow as a person.

Damion: I’m excited to be an MSSI Ambassador because I will have the opportunity to showcase my leadership abilities for a positive cause. Having the ability to speak positively amongst young brothers is something I need to take full advantage of. CCBC is a melting pot of young people that need some kind of guidance I have the ability to be impactful formally and informally. With what I gained from my firsthand experiences from life, it is my obligation to steer the youth in the right direction.

Question: What message would you like to share with individuals who are thinking about supporting MSSI?

Chudie: If you are thinking about supporting MSSI I encourage you to believe in this project because it has definitely changed me as a student and more importantly as a person. Support would help create a more memorable experience and further the reach of this important program.

Branden: Please support MSSI as we are helping young male students of color find their way and grow into men. This program is allowing them to access connections and build bonds they will have for life. This is a brotherhood for men of color at CCBC, and we need your continued support

Damion: Please support this important work. This is where men of color become brothers. The MSSI brotherhood has helped us prevail in class, out of class, and more importantly, in the real world.