Why DEI Programs Matter to College Students
DEI programs for students of color in college can be life-changing for underserved and/or overlooked populations.
July 29, 2024 by Emmanuel Marshall 
July 29, 2024 by Emmanuel Marshall
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.
When I first got to CCBC, I felt lost. College was a second option for me — I was just returning from a gap year, and factoring in COVID, it had been over two years since I was in a physical classroom. But I was motivated to do the best that I could. My efforts paid off, and I ended up with a 3.76 GPA my first semester and a 3.81 GPA my second semester. Still, something was missing.
Despite my strong academic performance, I still did not gain access to any of the school’s resources, assets, connections, etc. I didn’t have any friends, so I would be to myself for the most part. This was not the college experience that I envisioned myself having. Sometime into my second semester, I began researching the clubs and organizations at my school. When I initially found out about the Male Student Success Initiative, I realized I could be part of something. Once I joined the program, I was initially a bit reluctant to participate because I didn’t know anyone. However, over time, I became more and more involved, and this is when I started to see the all the benefits the program had to offer.
Within just over a month of joining MSSI, I received more support, guidance, and assistance than I had in the entire previous six months. One of the first instances was the CCBC honors program, a network of faculty, staff, and students with many resources for success inside and outside the classroom. Although I qualified for the honors program after my first semester, I didn’t learn about it until the end of my second semester, when the MSSI director told me about it. He was also a member on the honors committee, so he encouraged me to join and even gave me a recommendation. This is just one of the many ways the program has been instrumental. I had mentors to guide and coach me academically, professionally, and personally. I participated in several workshops including transferring, writing, professionalism, and more. It helped broaden my networks and exposed me to numerous opportunities, such as this internship with the Harvard Alumni for Black Advancement and EdTrust.
I believe schools should be making efforts to provide safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for all students. If more schools allowed more programs that support students of color, many more people like me would be successful in school and their careers. I know there are people across all levels of education who had a similar initial experience to me but don’t have a DEI program at their institution to support them. With the current attacks on DEI, there may not be as many opportunities for other students of color on college campuses around the country. However, the difference that DEI programs can make for traditionally underserved and/or overlooked populations in schools can be life-changing — I am living proof.
Here are just a few examples of what DEI programs can do:
Create an open, welcoming campus racial climate for students of color: Research shows that college students of color who receive continuous, tailored support have positive social and academic outcomes, increased campus participation, persistence, and graduation rates.
Introduce students to new opportunities: DEI programs can help connect resources to students who may not have had access otherwise.
Expose students to diverse people and environments: DEI programs offer an inclusive setting for a wide range of students, creating a dynamic environment full of diverse ideas, perspectives, and abilities.
Create networks: DEI programs bring like-minded scholars together in a thriving environment. They can also connect students to faculty and staff, leading to a better, more personal college experience.
Improve retention rates: When campuses foster an environment for under-represented groups like men of color, these students tend to perform better and are more likely to complete their degrees or certifications.
Keep students more engaged in school: Students are more likely to get involved on campus through events, activities, and more, fostering a sense of belonging.
Eliminate barriers: DEI programs can be the support structure for students to help them deal with any obstacles or hardships that they may experience.
Develop students: DEI programs provide resources projects, events, workshops, etc. — all for the betterment of the students involved.
This fall, I will be attending the University of Baltimore pursuing a bachelor’s degree in information technology. I attribute the Male Student Success Initiative as being integral to my growth and development. The things I gained from this program will follow me throughout life. MSSI has put me in positions to succeed and made me realize my true potential. If DEI programs continue to be supported, more opportunities and support would be available to those that need it the most. Conversely, if DEI programs are eliminated, hundreds of thousands of students can feel lost and alone. These initiatives not only enhance individual lives but also contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. DEI programs ensure that everyone has access to the resources and support they need to reach their full potential — so we need more of them, not fewer.
Emmanuel Marshall is a student at University of Baltimore and is a summer 2024 EdTrust intern.
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