The Men's Center - Black Male Initiative
The Men's Center at the College of Staten Island
At the College of Staten Island, the Men’s Center is committed to empowering students by increasing retention and graduation rates for historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students. The Men’s Center provides the necessary support to help students achieve their educational goals and graduate. The Men’s Center offers a variety of resources, including Academic Advisement, Mentoring, a Safe Space, Workshops, Tutoring, and Work-Study opportunities. It is worth noting that all programming at the Men’s Center is open to female students.
Why a Men’s Center?
National trends indicate that fewer males are applying to college. For those who apply, many need additional support as they embark on a new lived experience. Our purpose is to be a proactive intervention.
How do I apply?
There are several ways to apply to be part of the Men’s Center – Black Male Initiative.
1. Attend a Cart Session and meet with Dr. Meche to learn about the Men’s Center – Black Male Initiative programming and participation.
2. Register for 1 of the following virtual information sessions
- July 22nd (1 PM)
- July 29th (11 AM)
- August 5th (3 PM)
3. After STEP 1 or STEP 2, attend orientation on August 12th (9:30 AM – 1 PM)
Can I participate in other programs?
There is no requirement to participate in our programming. Students need to have a willingness to participate. Many students are also in programs such as ASAP, CSTEP, SEEK, and campus-wide programs.
Is there a cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate in any Men’s Center – Black Male Initiative programming.
How to Register
The Black Male Initiative - Collective
The Black Male Initiative – Collective is a student club that was created to tackle the challenges faced by Black and Latino students at the College of Staten Island. All students are welcome to join and gain insights into the experiences of these young men. Faculty and staff members can also attend upon invitation from the Black and Latino Urban Male Initiative. This club is led by students and advised by Dr. Meche.
Contact Information
Dr. John Meche
Social Justice Associate Director of the Men's Center
Meet Dr. Meche
Dr. John Meche is the Director of the Men's Center at the City University of New York/College of Staten Island and advisor to the Black and Latino Urban Male Initiative. Dr. Meche is a passionate advocate for students from diverse academic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds. He has earned three degrees from the CUNY System - Hostos CC, John Jay College, and Baruch College - and obtained his doctorate in Higher Education from Morgan State University, focusing on Gender, Race, and Ethnicity.
Dr. Meche's research is centered around the challenges Afro/AfroLatino male student populations face. He explores the role of high schools and colleges in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice initiatives to improve student retention rates. Dr. Meche firmly believes that providing young men with access to quality education can help them succeed, avoid disenfranchisement, and ultimately lead to higher graduation rates.
His dissertation, titled "The Lived Experiences of Males from the African Diaspora in the Community College: A Portraiture Study on Gender, Ethnicity, and Race."