Project MALES (Mentoring to Achieve Latino Educational Success): A Research and Mentoring Ecology Promoting Educational Equity for Males of Color

• In Event: 42.045 - As Goes Texas: Knowledge to Action Toward Educational Equity in the Lone Star State

Abstract

Project MALES (Mentoring to Achieve Latino Educational Success) (PM) launched in 2010 to enhance Latino male student success at all levels of the educational spectrum. It has since grown into a programmatic and research initiative focused on the educational pathways for male students of color in Texas. PM encompasses three interrelated initiatives:

1. An ongoing research agenda focused on male students of color experiences in K-16
2. A student mentoring program that cultivates an engaged support network for male students of color in the K-16 pipeline
3. A statewide K-16 Consortium to improve educational outcomes from male students of color

RESEARCH AGENDA
Project MALES’ research agenda focuses on understanding the experiences of Latino and African American male students of color across the education pipeline. Through research publications, reports, and presentations at national and regional conferences, PM strives to bring awareness and attention to experiences and successes of Latino and African American male students. Project MALES also operates a Faculty and Research Affiliates Program, a nationwide collaboration of scholars cultivating a research agenda focused on educational attainment gaps among Latino and African American male students of color. Aligned with this agenda, PM also publishes a research brief each month to highlight some of the work of our faculty and research affiliates.

STUDENT MENTORING PROGRAM
Project MALES’ mentoring program employs a school-based “near-peer” mentoring philosophy by pairing UT undergraduates with middle and high school males of color either in a one-on-one setting, or in clusters, to foster development of long-term bonds. Our curricular approach utilizes group and individualized activities focused on goal setting, communication skills, relationship building, problem solving, leadership training, and exploring career pathways. In 2015-2016, 46 UT-Austin undergraduate mentors participated in the Student Mentoring Program, who were required to pass background checks and commit to a year of service with the program. Mentors are also required to enroll in a service-learning course, where they are introduced to research on Latino and African American males and effective mentoring practices. In summer 2016, PM kicked off the inaugural Summer Leadership Academy.

TEXAS EDUCATION CONSORTIUM FOR MALE STUDENTS OF COLOR
The Project MALES Consortium was launched in 2013 as a statewide collaboration to align and coordinate existing programs and services that target underrepresented male students across the education continuum by stimulating male-focused initiatives within Texas school districts, colleges, and universities. The 19-institution Consortium is overseen by an Advisory Council comprised of administrators and students from member institutions. The Consortium also supports the annual Texas Male Student Leadership Summit hosted at UT-Austin. The summit brings together emerging male student leaders from across the state of Texas as well as professionals who are dedicated to their academic success.

THE FUTURE
For the next phase of work, Project MALES continues our commitment to advance research-based solutions that build the capacity of our institutions to serve male students of color, and improve pathways to and through college. In this presentation, I will detail how PM impacts relationships between higher education, K-12, and community organizations across the state.

Author

• Victor Saenz, The University of Texas - Austin