Giving Compass' Take:

• A new study shows access to an achievement program called “Manhood Development” significantly reduced the number of black male students who dropped out of high school.

• How can funders work with partners to improve outcomes for Black students? 

• Learn why teacher representation matters for students of color. 

The study found smaller reductions in the number of black female students who dropped out as well, suggesting a possible spillover effect.

School leaders in Oakland, California launched the initiative nearly 10 years ago, the first of its kind in the nation: a program targeted exclusively to black male high school students that was a part of their regular classes during the school day.

Taught by black male instructors, the Manhood Development course emphasizes social-emotional learning, African and African American history, and academic mentoring, drawing on culturally relevant teaching methods to counter stereotypes and create a stronger sense of community and belonging in school.

As hundreds of communities across the country invest in similarly targeted programs as part of the national “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative, which former President Barack Obama introduced in 2014, the new study provides leading evidence supporting the promise of these investments.

Read the full article on drop-out rates for black male high schoolers by Carrie Spector at Futurity.