Raising Expectations: A Black Male Initiative

Predominantly Black Institutions Program

FALL 2008

Dear Visitor:

In 2008, Chicago State University received a two-year grant under the U.S. Department of Education: Predominantly Black Institutions Program (PBI) to enhance the educational outcomes of African American males.

Among other things, these funds are being used to enhance the campus climate, communicate messages that stress the importance and relevance of the college experience, and analyze issues and disparities as barriers to college attendance.

The CSU program entitled, Raising Expectations: A Black Male Initiative, also includes the newly established African American Male Resource Center, which is now located in the Cordell Reed Student Union, room 150. The Center is primarily focused on the recruitment, retention, and graduation of Black males. The Center works in concert with the university’s various offices to provide: mentoring, academic support, financial planning, socialization, professional development and leadership training. Lecture formats expose students to distinguished leaders and thinkers in government, business, education, politics, and social policy, among others. Online services provide access to virtual learning communities for academic support and social networking. Staff provide service to and develop students with a wide range of needs. Using seminar and workshop formats, students gain an awareness of the requisite courses, experiences and college skills needed for college success. Center staff also provide training to peer mentors and recruit adult black males from the community to serve as mentors.

Please visit our site again as we periodically provide updates that might be of interest to you.

Best Regards,

Dr. Anitra J. Ward

Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
& Principal Investigator, Predominantly Black Institutions Program