New Program Jumpstarts Education for Latino Males

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At the University of Texas, a new program called Project Mentoring to Achieve Educational Success (MALES) launched recently. The goal of the program is to “combat the disappearance” of Latino males in higher education. The program is an initiative of the university’s Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. The plan is to create relevant mentoring program for young males of color in the Austin Independent School District.

In June, a three-day program began with a tour of the university campus and two days of workshops. During the program, prospective students learned leadership and communication skills that are necessary for college and beyond.

“Latino and African-American boys do not have teachers who they can see as role models in the classroom. As mentors, we support our students in showing them how to apply those skills they have in navigating the school setting,” UT professor and director of Project MALES Emmet Campos said. “Young people today are in need of having people in their lives who care for them unconditionally.”

The organization hopes that, by providing supportive mentors, the rate of graduation among Latino male students will increase. According to a report by the Schott Foundation for Public Education, the estimated national graduation rates for the 2012-13 school year were 65% for Latino males, compared to 80% for white males.

“Males of color are suspended and expelled from school at higher rates than peers,” Executive Director of Project MALES and UT professor Victor Sáenz said. “Latino males continue to face challenges in achieving critical higher education milestones.”

Seeking to challenge barriers, such as fiscal responsibility at home also play a role in their lack of academic representation. The project works to raise awareness of some other obstacles Latino males face, while cultivating a support network and a college-going culture.

“One common barrier for Latino males that may keep them from completing a college degree is the financial pressures they may be facing to help contribute to their families,” Sáenz said. “They feel a more immediate urgency to be a breadwinner.”

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