Creating Success

While much progress has been made since the passage of the Civil Rights Act, African American males continue to struggle to achieve educational and economic success. African American males have higher rates of suspension, expulsion, placement in special education, and dropout than other groups. Sadly, African American males confront high unemployment and low labor force participation rates, but high probation and incarceration rates, representing nearly half of the nation's male prison inmates. Today, the dilemma of the African American male demands a solution. That's what we're determined to provide.

In 2007, Children's Aid launched The African American Male Initiative, with the support of The Charles Hayden Foundation, to help young males receive all the support needed to achieve success. It started with the Steps to Success Initiative, in which groups of young Black males beginning in second grade receive life coaching, a cultural academy, academic support, and exposure to Everyday Heroes (role models). So far, in its third year, the boys' scholastic progress has been remarkable.

It is difficult not be to greatly disturbed by the disproportionate struggles African American males continue to face in achieving success. Children's Aid feels a deep sense of urgency to do something to alter the trajectory that leads to negative outcomes for many African American males, and which represents a significant failure for our society.

We believe that it is possible for Black males to achieve more, do better in school and lead more successful lives. Given the complex and longstanding nature of this problem, the Initiative seeks to:

* Gain a better understanding of the issues facing young Black males; and

* Create new and better program strategies to address the needs of this vulnerable population

The Children's Aid Action Agenda reflects the advice of our Study Group of Experts, outside consultation and a thorough literature review. Currently, we are getting ready to pilot programs to better serve this population.

Roger Ball
Program Director

Lorna Palacio Morgan
Senior Program Quality Advisor

Jessica Silk
Special Projects Manager