The African American Male Education Network and Development (A²MEND) provides support, guidance, curriculum, professional development, and networking opportunities for students enrolled within the community college system. A²MEND Mentor & Match and/or Community College Charter participants who have demonstrated leadership and scholarship within the California Community College system will be encouraged to apply for the A²MEND Leadership Academy. The Leadership Academy is committed to the personal development, professional growth and academic success of participating members. Academy mentees will have the opportunity to network with other students within the academy through monthly programming and social activities offered through the A²MEND. Participation is free.
Goals and objectives of the A²MEND Leadership Academy are to:
- Facilitate individual meetings and connect with students at least four times per term.
- Provide guidance and support to ensure the successful completion of student learning contracts or academic progress reports.
- *Provide scholarships annually to academy students that fulfill academy participation requirements.
- *Provide educational excursions for academy students based on grades, attendance, and participation.
- Develop student leadership tools such as: teamwork, active listening skills, adaptation to change, emotional intelligence, accountability, goal setting, and how to be a mentor.
- Provide student with a professional network for supporting their educational experience in achieving their academic and career goals.
- *Provide Study Abroad in Africa opportunities for mentees during the summer.
- *Provide continual support and guidance for mentees that transfer from California Community Colleges to four-year universities.
- Offer leadership and educational training for students to further enhance their academic success, career exploration and personal development through monthly webinars.
- Aid in the cultivation of relationships with fellow mentees, peer mentors, and the A²MEND Executive Board Members.
Responsibility of A²MEND Leadership Academy Student
- Connect with program coordinator and/or mentor(s) at least four times per term.
- Submit registration statement and grades every semester.
- Actively participate in all programs/activities, and successfully fulfill program requirements.
- Participants must be currently enrolled in credit courses at a California Community College or four- year institution with a minimum of a 2.0 G.P.A. and must maintain a minimum of 2.0 G.P.A.
- Participate in a community service project every academic year.
- Participate in the Mentor & Match Program and A²MEND Community College Charter. (if applicable)
- Complete an academic progress report once a semester to enhance their mentorship experience and ensures that the program effectively assist students in making academic progress towards their educational goals.
As an A²MEND Student Mentee, you can expect:
- Assistance with clarifying your professional and educational goals.
- Development of personal and academic skills that lead to your professional and educational success.
- Confidence in knowing we are committed to your professional and educational achievement and success.
As an A²MEND Student Mentee, you can expect:
- Complete the A²MEND Leadership Academy Application, Submit unofficial transcripts and a reference letter from a community college administrator, faculty, or staff.
- If accepted into the Leadership Academy, you will be contacted by the Project Coordinator.
- Accepted mentees will be required to attend a leadership orientation with the Project Coordinator and the A²MEND Executive Board.
Limitations on Participation:
- Students may participate as a mentee in the Leadership Academy for a maximum of five years or until they complete their undergraduate degree.
- Students that successfully completed the Leadership Academy have the opportunity to serve as peer mentors.
- Students who drop to 0 units enrolled during a semester or fail to participate in the Leadership Academy activities/meetings will not be eligible for financial support and will be removed from the Academy at the end of the academic year.
- *Removed students will be eligible to reapply for the Leadership Academy at the beginning of the following academic year.
*Based on funding and availability