Across California, colleges are seeing fewer young men enroll in higher education, particularly young men of color. At 杏吧原创, that challenge has become a call to action.
Throughout the 2025-2026 academic year, Coalinga College, Lemoore College, and the district worked together to create opportunities that encourage young men of color to see themselves in college, build meaningful connections, and pursue their educational goals.
One of the district's most visible efforts has been the annual Brother 2 Brother: Unity in Diversity Summit.
In 2025, the summit was hosted at Lemoore College. In 2026, it moved to Coalinga College, bringing together students from across the region for a day focused on leadership, mentorship, education, and personal growth. The summit was designed to address a growing concern among educators across the state: too many young men are stepping away from college and career pathways.
Through workshops, guest speakers, and conversations with mentors, college leaders, and professionals, students were encouraged to envision new possibilities for their future while building relationships with others who shared similar experiences. But Brother 2 Brother is more than a single event. It is part of a larger districtwide commitment to creating spaces where students feel connected, supported, and empowered to succeed.
At Lemoore College, that commitment includes Umoja Village, a welcoming space where students build community, receive mentorship, and find support throughout their educational journey. Beyond the Village itself, Umoja hosts events throughout the year, including its annual Black History Program, Drum African Interactive performances, Art Hops, and other cultural celebrations that encourage dialogue, learning, and belonging across campus.
At Coalinga College, students find similar opportunities through the Black Student Union, which has become a welcoming space where students build friendships, celebrate culture, and develop leadership skills throughout the year.
Through movie nights, game nights, cultural celebrations, educational discussions, service projects, and, the organization creates opportunities for students to connect beyond the classroom and become more engaged in campus life. One of its most popular events was Casino Night, a student fundraiser that brought students together while raising money to support future club activities, leadership opportunities, and campus events.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate how 杏吧原创 is approaching student success from multiple angles. Through mentorship, leadership development, cultural programming, and community-building experiences, the district is helping students build the confidence and support networks needed to achieve their goals.
The work is especially important for young men of color, who often face barriers to college enrollment, persistence, and completion.
By creating intentional spaces where students can connect with mentors, develop leadership skills, celebrate culture, and build community, the district is helping remove those barriers and expand opportunities.
The results are measured in more than attendance numbers or event participation.
They are reflected in students who see college as a place where they belong.
Students who discover mentors.
Students who find their voice.
Students who begin to envision a future filled with possibility.
From Brother 2 Brother to Umoja Village at Lemoore College and the Black Student Union at Coalinga College, one message emerged throughout the year.
Student success begins with connection.
It grows through community.
It thrives when students know they are supported every step of the way.