On Wednesday, March 27th, neary thirty juniors who identify as males of color participated in a trip to the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) for an all male of color college fair, hosted by the Eagle Academy. The NYC All Male of Color College Fair at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) is an annual event that brings together young men of color and representatives from various colleges and universities.
The fair addressed the disparities in higher education access and success faced by these demographic groups by providing them with information, resources, and opportunities to pursue their academic and career goals. The event featured a wide range of colleges and universities, including both large institutions and smaller institutions, even specialized schools, private and public. Representatives from these institutions were ready to provide information about their programs, admissions requirements, financial aid options, and student support services.
Karlette Fuchs, BCS College Counselor and Director of Post Secondary Planning, helped organize and plan for BCS to attend this event. This trip was an important one because it was a unique opportunity for males of color to explore their higher education options as an affinity group while further demonstrating Brooklyn Collaborative’s ongoing commitment to providing relevant and robust experiences for its students’ post-secondary journey. Karlette stated about the fair, “I got to watch our students interact in a professional space, which is a way I never get to see them engage at BCS.”
Thomas Dickson, an 11th-grade US history teacher, accompanied the students to the fair. Thomas had this to say about the fair, “Black male students often lack representation in higher education. Seeing successful Black men who have navigated college and achieved their goals provides inspiration and hope. The college fair offered a unique opportunity for our students to explore various institutions and learn about programs, scholarships, and resources.” The power this fair holds for young men of color is so valuable and empowering. It gives them the guidance they need to achieve success by utilizing the resources provided to them.
Raka, a 10th-grade urbanization science teacher also accompanied the students to the fair. She stated, “When students participate in all the opportunities to think about their futures, it’s valuable and important. It was inspiring to see all the students taking a courageous step to speak with the representatives from programs and schools because they were doing it themselves.”
The impact of the NYC All Males of Color College Fair extended beyond the event itself. By bringing together colleges, community organizations, and young men of color in a shared space, the fair fostered connections and partnerships that can have a lasting impact on student’s educational and professional paths. For young men of color, the fair provided an opportunity to explore their interests and aspirations. Many of the BCS students left the fair feeling inspired and empowered to pursue their dreams of higher education, armed with the knowledge and confidence they need to take the next steps in their academic journey. The fair’s impact also plays a broader role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. It highlights the experiences and perspectives of young men of color and creates opportunities for them to succeed. The fair helped to create a more diverse and representative college landscape that benefits all students.
Overall, the NYC All Male of Color College Fair was a powerful and important event that had a meaningful impact on the lives of young men of color in New York City. By providing access to the information, resources, and opportunities, the fair helped to create pathways towards success for a demographic group that historically has been underserved and underrepresented in higher education.
