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Black Male College Explorers Program Making A Difference

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Edward Waters College Black Male College Explorers 2014 Summer Program on a 6-day trip to Washington D.C.
Edward Waters College Black Male College Explorers 2014 Summer Program on a 6-day trip to Washington D.C. | Photo via: Arthuron Harrison

The Black Male College Explorers Program (BMCEP) aims to provide students, specifically black males considered as being  “at high risk”, the opportunity to thrive in a safe educational environment. The main goal of the program is to identify students who are potential high school dropouts and prevent them from dropping out as well as increase their chances of obtaining a college degree. Teachers and staff of high schools work with the parents in helping the students develop skills to become self-sufficient, disciplined and responsible adults.

Overview

The Black Male College Explorers Program is a prevention/intervention program designed specifically for black male students in grades 7-11.  This program started at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and has been adopted in other Florida HBCUs such as Edward Waters College and Florida Memorial College. The program runs for several weeks during the summer and includes developmental exercises specifically for black males. Competent high school teachers are hired to teach remedial classes in English, General Science, Mathematics, Art, Computer Science and African American Studies. There are also sessions on personality development that encourage the students to develop good self-esteem and motivate them to pursue higher goals in life.

Goals

The Black Male College Explorers Program is designed with the following goals in mind:

  • Provide opportunities for black male students who are at risk from dropping out of school
  • Teach skills that can help the students enter the work force or continue with their studies after high school
  • Assist them in getting admitted to college
  • Support them so that they can earn a college degree

Eligibility Requirements

  • Any black male student in the 7th-11th grade at the beginning of the summer session
  • Students considered to be “at high risk” such as those who have a history of bad behavior or those in risky environments
  • Students must have an expressed interest in the program
  • Applicants must be dedicated to pursue post-secondary education after high school.

Benefits

Students selected and sponsored by participating schools are provided with lodging, food, transportation to and from the campus, books and study materials and a weekly stipend of $25. Participating schools have the responsibility of selecting students who qualify for the Black Male College Explorers Program. Teachers and staff are encouraged to work with the students and their parents, monitor the students’ progress and provide a summative evaluation on their performance. For more information about the Black Male College Explorers Program, see the BMCEP programs information below:

Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University

Black Male College Explorers Program
Phone: (850) 561-2407, (850) 561-2408
Director: Dr. Edward Tolliver
Office Manager: Ms. Adel Manatee
501 Orr Drive
GEC-C Suite 305
Tallahassee, Florida 32307

Edward Waters College

Black Male College Explorers Program
Director: Mr. Darren Gardner (d.gardner@ewc.edu)
Program Director
Phone: (904) 330-6070
1658 Kings Road
Jacksonville, FL 32209-6199

Florida Memorial College

Centers for Academic Support & Retention
Black Male College Explorers Program
Director: Shawn Davis (shawn.davis@fmuniv.edu)
Kareem Coney, Special Assistant to the President/External Relations: kareem.coney@fmuniv.edu
Phone: (305) 626-3108, (305) 626-3163
Fax: (305) 626-3769
15800 NW 42nd Ave
Miami Gardens, Florida 33054