College of The Albemarle has received a one-year grant from the North Carolina Community College System to implement a Minority Male Mentoring Program at the college. The overall goal of the college’s Men of Excellence and Distinction in the Albemarle (MEDIA) program is to transform lives in an accessible, supportive environment that promotes academic excellence, student success, workforce development, community partnerships, and responsible stewardship of minority males in the Albemarle area.  The program will assist students to complete a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.

"Minority male mentoring programs at our community colleges provide a lifeline to many young men who have great potential but often lack a support system," said Dr. Scott Ralls, N.C. Community College System president. "Since we began this initiative in 2003, we have had many students in this program receive two-year degrees, go on to four-year colleges and universities, and find meaningful employment as a result of the encouragement and support they receive. We appreciate our state leaders recognizing the value of this initiative and finding much-needed support in a very tough economic climate."

College of The Albemarle will receive approximately $23,000 for one year to serve up to ten minority males. Steve Woodburn, Vice President of Student Success and Enrollment Management stated, “The MEDIA Program’s participants will consist of currently enrolled minority male students at COA, ranging in age from 18 – 40 years old.” The related risk factors that MEDIA will concentrate on are students who are in at least one “gate-keeper” course with academic challenges, first generation college students, unemployed or part-time employees, low-income, single-parents, have a lack of motivation, and/or have low self-esteem.

Maenecia Cole, the college’s director of student activities and retention advisor, will serve as the program coordinator. Ms. Cole stated, "The program focuses on three components: academic enhancement, character and leadership development, and career development."  She said that strategies will include tutoring, participation in time management, study skills, and goal assessment classes, financial aid counseling, academic monitoring, and working with coaches to develop educational plans. In addition, MEDIA students will travel to a state level conference and open houses at various North Carolina universities. Other activities include leadership retreats and career exploration activities.

For more information on the program, interested students may contact Ms. Maenecia Cole: (252) 335-0821 x 2240 maenecia_cole@albemarle.edu.