College Success Scholars Posing

About College Success Scholars

The College Success Scholars program offers comprehensive, structured, ongoing personal, academic, and professional support to Black and Latino male students, focusing primarily on retention and graduation at the University of Maryland. The curriculum is designed to nurture the brilliance of the scholars while developing resilience, agency, purpose, and brotherhood. Scholars are encouraged to create a roadmap for their academic journey, which includes internships, fellowships, co-ops, research opportunities, study abroad programs, leadership positions, and extracurricular activities that enhance their resume portfolios for top-tier graduate schools and career opportunities.

Scholars receive mentoring from upperclassmen and participate in weekly study sessions, review sessions, study groups, and tutoring. They also engage in cultural, educational, and professional field trips, including visits to the IMF, Black Wax History Museum, Inter-American Development Bank, and the Supreme Court. The curriculum combines experiential and theoretical learning, emphasizing the creation of a supportive community for scholars to thrive despite the various educational and social challenges they may encounter at the University of Maryland. Scholars are expected to continually strive for personal, academic, and professional excellence in all their endeavors.

The Parents’ Involvement Working Group is a vital component of the program, aiming to engage and support the ongoing personal, professional, and academic growth of the scholars. The year-to-year retention and graduation rates continue to exceed both the University of Maryland’s and national averages for Black and Latino males.

CONTACT: Dr. Christopher Lester, Director

CONTACT: Jovany Joya, Coordinator