To address the widening gender gap in college enrollment, Tuskegee University is implementing a new mentorship program to support young Black men’s higher education journeys.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, Tuskegee achieved a 10-year enrollment high of 3,366 students. However, only 39 percent of those students were men – a pattern that is not unique to Tuskegee. Since 2010, Black male student enrollment has declined by 25 percent at HBCUs and by 22 percent across all colleges and universities, according to the American Institute for Boys and Men.
Through a new partnership with the African American Male Education Network & Development (A²MEND), male students at Tuskegee will have access to academic resources, mentorship opportunities, and professional development to foster their success in college and after graduation. Leaders from A²MEND will work directly with Tuskegee faculty and staff to create an environment where all students can thrive.
Currently, A²MEND has 58 charters throughout the country, primarily at community colleges on the West Coast. Tuskegee will be A²MEND’s first chapter at a historically Black college or university.
“Tuskegee has always risen to the challenge of solving problems that impact our nation, and we will do it again in the Renaissance Era as we support young Black men in succeeding,” said Dr. Brown. “We know that we are enough and that we are the help we need to attract, keep, and graduate more young Black men from Mother Tuskegee, sending them on to greater heights prepared to change our world.”
