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Minority Male Initiative is a program geared to link students to existing resources at school along with external ones. The program wants to assist students by helping them obtain degrees and certificates and providing other services.

The program has existed since 2010, according to Dr. Terry Echols who is the Program Manager in support from the Kresge Foundation. The goals for the program Echols said is to maintain retention and graduation rates. This year 130 individuals will graduate through the programs assistance.

The idea for MMI came about as a nationwide epidemic of colored males(African American, Latino, Indian or any male of color) not doing so well in the community. Cuyahoga Community College is an ADT school which provides services for males to reach their dreams. These services include one on one tutoring, mentoring, and group round table discussion. Along with these services MMI focuses on "student academics and not just

personal but professional development". MMI requires a one year commitment

from anyone who joins. Echols said, " Members are required to attend eight activities. Four of the eight activities are mandatory. " The students must also attend a weekly one on one session with Echols along with a barbershop session. The barbershop session is hosted inside the UTC building. It brings MMI members from all three campuses together to discuss pertinent issues.

Currently the program is advancing. In the Fall of 2010, the cohort GPA stood at 2.1. This past summer, the GPA is at 2.7.

For more information about signing up, Dr. Echols is located on the fourth floor of the Metro Campus Student Services building in the back by the math tutors.

Minority Male InitiativeBy Portia Lopez

“The program wants to assist students by helping them obtain degrees and certificates and providing other services. “

“The Bridge of No reTurN” written by Cleveland native Stella Hall will be performed on November 19, 2011 at 7:00 pm in the Metro Campus Performing Arts Theater.

Stella is a model, fashion designer and author of two other books titled “Swing Love Sweet Chariote” and “Trio”. The play is about Felicia San Ford, a young intelligent woman who managed to land her dream job in the Big Apple: New York

City. As Felicia adjust to her new career, she is tangled in a love triangle. Tickets for the play are $20 in advance, $25 at the door and $35 for VIP which allows customers meet and greet with the cast, and an invitation to the after party at Fortress Night Club. For ticket purchases either order them online at www.stellahall.com or by phone 440-447-0527. All attendees are asked to bring a canned good to the play.

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