The Story of Brothers of Excellence
In 2014, the Minority Male Community College Collaborative (M2C3) of California released a report that highlighted the adverse outcomes for men of color in the California Community College system. The study found that African American men, in particular, had the lowest overall persistence rates, the lowest course completion rate, and the third-lowest graduation/transfer rates, with only a 2% difference from being the lowest.
To address the educational challenges faced by Black male students, Los Medanos College initiated the Brothers of Excellence Program (BOEP) in 2015. This program, part of the Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) Department, aims to help close the achievement gap between these students and their peers.
BOEP is a program designed to improve the academic and life outcomes of male students of color at LMC. It creates and supports partnerships in academics and the community. These partnerships help guide, inspire, and motivate students to reach their full potential.