• MSSI Student standing in front of a classroom
  • Two MSSI students smiling for a photo outside on a bright sunny day
  • Two MSSI students smile for a photo in a classroom
  • MSSI mentor standing in a classroom

Grow, learn and succeed as an MSSI participant

With a strategic design of programs, activities and events, the Male Student Success Initiative supports and promotes academic excellence for students who are men of color.

Our team works to promote and secure the success of every student by providing a range of opportunities and support elements:

  • Paid internships: Students are eligible for paid internships with a variety of corporations, some of which are Fortune 200 companies. These dynamic internship learning experiences provide students with distinct academic and business advantages.
  • Success Mentors: Each student is connected with a mentor who provides dedicated support and networking opportunities.
  • MSSI Certified Faculty: Our dedicated instructors work closely with students to provide them with the support each individual deserves and needs to succeed.
  • Student Leadership Counsel: Students participate in experiential leadership opportunities, learning how to become leaders through a hands-on approach.
  • Cultural events and travel: Students participate in a multitude of relevant and meaningful cultural activities. They also travel to and present at Male Summits and other events.
  • “The World is Yours” workshops: Students participate in workshops that focus on internship readiness, digital living, and Health Over Everything. These are exclusive MSSI offerings.
If you are interested in a supportive and brotherly environment that puts you first at every step of your academic journey, then you are ready to join MSSI – where the world is yours!

Program components

MSSI's primary goal is to improve academic outcomes for men of color through the following key program components:

Culturally contextualized approach

Offer course sections with real-world learning experiences relevant to MSSI students. Available MSSI contextualized sections: ACDV 101, English 102, Math 082 and Math 153.

Community and brotherhood

Foster community through culture- and identity-focused activities and group meetings, both inside and outside the classroom.

Success mentors

Pair each student with a success mentor – an adult male of color employed by CCBC – to provide guidance, direction, support, and academic coaching.

Student support services

Success mentors connect MSSI students to campus-based support resources and services, such as counseling, financial aid, and tutoring.

Leadership and professional development

Provide MSSI students a range of growth opportunities and activities, including monthly cohort meetings, four-year college visits, cultural field trips, career information sessions, internships, career readiness workshops, job shadowing opportunities, and a statewide conference for men of color.