SWC News Center
Building a Bridge to Success: Southwestern College's Men of Color Initiative
By: Keith Turner - March 7, 2025
Southwestern College has taken another significant stride towards educational equity with the launch of its Men of Color Success and Excellence program in Spring 2024. This initiative is not merely a program; it's a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and empowering Black, Latino, Native American, Asian, and Pacific Islander male students to thrive in higher education.
The program's foundation is built on data-driven insights, student feedback, and research indicating that men of color at Southwestern College earn fewer degrees and certificates compared to their peers, highlighting the need for targeted support to address academic challenges, financial barriers, and limited mentorship opportunities. In the academic year 2023-2024, Men of Color account for 36% of the student population at Southwestern. However, the same group accounted for 33% of the degrees and certificates received. The district reported a 14.8% transfer rate within 4 years overall. For males of color, the rate was 12.6%. This data represents an improvement from previous years, but it also highlights a need to address student outcomes. Recognizing the unique challenges these students face, including microaggressions, implicit bias, and other systemic barriers; the college has prioritized creating an environment where students feel affirmed, valued, and supported. This focus on belonging is crucial, as research consistently demonstrates its impact on student success.
Beyond fostering a welcoming atmosphere, the program provides tangible support. Academic cohorts in Math and English offer students a structured pathway to success. Close collaboration with faculty ensures student retention through an early alert system addressing attendance, progress, and basic needs. Embedded tutoring, professional mentorship, travel assistance, field trips, and individualized case management with a dedicated Student Success Coach provide comprehensive support. One of the most critical components is the alignment of the program's curriculum with CSU and UC transfer requirements, removing potential roadblocks to further education.
The early results are inspiring. The first cohort has demonstrated English course completion rates at 90% and success rates at 86%. These figures are nearly double the campus average, a testament to the program's effectiveness.
Recruitment efforts are also strategically focused. Targeted open houses during heritage months, like Black History Month and Black Student Success Week, connect with the community and showcase the college’s commitment to inclusivity. These events, designed to engage prospective students and their families, highlight the college's academic programs and support services.
The commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom. To enhance support for men of color in higher education, the college has developed a faculty professional development series in collaboration with leading experts. This initiative equips faculty with best practices to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Southwestern College has also established valuable partnerships with organizations such as the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL), the California State University Young Males of Color Consortium, the Carnegie Foundation’s Network Improvement Community, RSS Consulting, and the Men of Color Action Network (MOCAN). These collaborations provide access to cutting-edge research, best practices, and a strong network of support, further strengthening the program’s impact.
The Men of Color Success and Excellence program reflects a deep institutional commitment to student achievement. By prioritizing equity and fostering an environment of belonging, the college is building not just a program, but a pathway to success—one that empowers students and enriches the broader community.