Brotherhood Beyond Barriers: Elevating the Success and Retention of Black Men in Community Colleges

Abstract

Community colleges are vital entry points to higher education for Black men, yet they often fall short of supporting these students in persisting and completing their academic journeys. Despite their potential, Black male students continue to face persistent and deeply rooted disparities in retention and graduation. This chapter highlights practical, culturally grounded strategies developed at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) through the Center for Male Engagement (CME) and its student-led engagement group, Men of Connection & Integrity (MOCI). Drawing on data, real-life stories, and practitioner experience, it emphasizes culturally responsive mentoring, affinity spaces, and holistic support frameworks. Practices such as peer mentoring, barbershop-style dialogues, and financial literacy workshops are showcased, alongside a discussion of the broader need for institutional accountability and systemic change. Educators and policymakers are called to action and encouraged to redesign community colleges into spaces where Black men are not only present but also empowered to persist, lead, and succeed.