Black Boys College Bound Initiative

By most social indicators, the well-being of African American men and boys is in a precarious state (see The State of Black America 2007: Portrait of the Black Male). Black male youth have higher rates of grade failure, dropping out, suspension, and special education placement than do any other demographic group. The number of black boys who graduate from high school and enroll in college is also smaller than the national average.

We believe in the importance of a college education as a vehicle for economic and social mobility. Through the Black Boys College Bound Initiative (BBCBI), we seek to augment the number of young black men who are college-ready and successfully complete bachelor's degrees.

In 2004, concerned with the lack of black male candidates and participants in the education programs at Level Playing Field Institute (our sister organziation), we commissioned an overview of academic programs across the nation that work specifically with black men and boys. BBCBI builds on these findings from the document, Addressing the Shame of Higher Education (PDF).

Our initial goal is to increase the number of college-ready black male youth from Bay Area public schools, particularly in San Francisco and Oakland.

The BBCBI application process is now closed. Applicants will be notified via email on

April 15, 2008. The first phase of the Initiative will last through June 2009.

Guidelines & Application (PDF of background information on the application process)

BBCBI Strategy and Research (PDF from launch meeting presentation)