Why DEI Programs Matter to College Students

I am a recent graduate of the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC). I am able to write this because of the Male Student Success Initiative (MSSI) at CCBC. MSSI was founded after analyzing the retention rate for men of color compared to the other demographics at the college. The goal of the program is ensuring the success of men of color inside and outside of the classroom, and to say that it has significantly changed my life is an understatement. I wanted a more meaningful and engaging college experience, and that is exactly what I got....

...Here are just a few examples of what DEI programs can do:

• Create an open, welcoming campus racial climate for students of color:...
• Introduce students to new opportunities: ...
  
• Expose students to diverse people and environments: ...
  
• Create networks: ...
  
• Improve retention rates: ...
• Keep students more engaged in school: ...
• Eliminate barriers: ...
• Develop students: ...