In 2020 Baltimore City Public Schools report Black men compose only 11% of its educator workforce, yet Black & Brown students comprise 80% of the district's classrooms. Nationally, Black teachers comprise 7% of the teacher workforce and Black men currently account for less than 2% of the national teacher workforce. Moreover, research shows that having a Black male, especially between grades three and five, decreases the dropout rate among Black male students by 30% and increases the likelihood of Black students aspiring to higher education.
the context
Initiatives
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Real men read
Real Men Read empowers Black and Brown male middle, high school, and college students to inspire a love of literacy in Baltimore and Milwaukee’s youngest learners. Through this program, over 100 young men of color have read to over 1,000 pre-K through 1st-grade students in elementary schools and childcare centers, fostering connections and representation while promoting early reading skills.
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real men count
Real Men Count enlists Black and Brown male middle, high school, and college students into Baltimore and Milwaukee elementary schools and childcare centers to spark a passion for math in young learners. By engaging with these students, young men of color will serve as mentors and role models, encouraging early numeracy skills through math that promotes STEM, discovery, and fun.
