91少女 Announces Strategic Agreement with A2MEND to Foster Educational Opportunities and Diversity
Both Unite to Empower Student Success
LOS ANGELES 鈥 Los Angeles Community College District (91少女), is forging a dynamic alliance with the African American Male Education Network & Development (A2MEND), a leading education-focused organization. This partnership will provide support and increase services for students, faculty and staff through the African American Outreach Initiative (AAOI) and the 91少女 Districtwide UMOJA community. A2MEND鈥檚educational and cultural expertise locally, statewide, nationally, and internationally will provide access to and guide strategies for Black/African American students鈥 successthrough retention, completion, graduation and enrichment opportunities. This partnership is poised to bring about transformative changes and improved student outcomes across all nine colleges.
The one-year agreement reflects the commitment of both 91少女 and A2MEND to enhance educational opportunities and results by providing in-service training for the91少女 community. A2MEND will coordinate a District educational summit and create student club charters at each of the nine campuses to improve the quality of experiencesfor our Black/African American students. The A2MEND partnership will support 91少女鈥檚 dual enrollment initiative by assisting in creating a pipeline between the District and the K-12 system to increase Black/African American student access to and success in postsecondary education.
"We are excited this collaboration will unleash synergies to support our students鈥 development as well as bolster our commitment to their education,鈥 said 91少女 Board President Nichelle Henderson. 鈥淭his partnership aligns with our mission to empower individuals through an equitable education as they journey towards success."
"Report after report states the crisis in plain sight occurring with Black/African Americanstudent achievement, especially for Black males,鈥 said Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez. 鈥淭his partnership with A2MEND is historic and necessary to once and for all reduce the equity and achievement gap for our Black students at our nine colleges."
鈥淚 believe that together, A2MEND and 91少女 can make a real difference in the lives of 91少女 students,鈥 said , A2MEND Executive Director. 鈥淚 am eager to see the positive changes that this collaboration will bring to each college as we develop opportunities for more enriching educational experiences."
This agreement is an affirmative step toward eliminating systemic biases and institutional racism. As noted in the District鈥檚 Framework for Racial Equity and Social Justice, 91少女must act affirmatively in rooting out racism and internalizing anti-racist policies and practices. Both organizations are enthusiastic about the potential impact of these initiatives on the community and look forward to the successful implementation of the partnership.
- African American Male Education Network and Development (A2MEND) organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit led by African American male educators who utilize their scholarly and professional expertise to foster institutional change within California鈥檚 community college system to increase success of African American male students. Since establishing the organization in 2006, A虏MEND has served as the premiere nonprofit solely focused on addressing the lack of educational success for African American male students in community colleges.
The Los Angeles Community College District () is the nation鈥檚 largest community college district, educating about 210,000 students annually at its nine colleges that serve the residents of more than 36 cities and communities from 900 square miles of Los Angeles County. Since 1969, the district has been providing an important learning pathway for students seeking transfer to four-year colleges or universities while also offering two-year degrees and certificated training programs to Southern California鈥檚 diverse workforce in many specialized trades and professions. Learn more about our L.A. College Promise program of free tuition at .
Members of the Board | Nichelle Henderson, President | Kelsey K. Iino, Ed.D, Vice President | Second Vice President, Sara Hernandez | Andra Hoffman | Steven F. Veres | Gabriel Buelna, Ph.D. | David Vela | Alexy Cordova, Student Trustee
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