The national six-year graduation rate for black males at four-year public colleges is a dismal 31 percent, according to the Department of Education.
Over the last decade N.C. Central University black males have had a six-year graduation rate averaging between 33 and 39 percent.
In light of this, Kevin Rome, vice chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, decided in 2009 to establish when is now known as the Centennial Scholars Program.
"My goal is to have African-American males who can hold their own against any males coming from anywhere in the world," he said in a 2010 press release.
The program, one of many across the country, is designed to focus on the critical issues of retention and dropout rates of African American males.
According to Rome the program forms a cohort of black males when they first arrive at NCCU then "creates an environment for success."
The program, which has received support from Title II and the Lumina Foundation, is a comprehensive learning community designed to promote African-American males who understand the importance of academic readiness and accountability.
"The black male graduation rate was pretty low and it's not just a NCCU issues it is a nationwide issue," said Ardell J. Sanders, associate director of the Centennial Scholars Program.
The program is seeing success. According to Sanders, the average GPA of black male students in the class of 2013 not involved with the Centennial Scholars Program is 2.2.
The GPA of a black male student in the same class involved in the program average G.P.A is 2.8.
"Being in the Centennial Scholars Program has helped me set the platform for academic success and professionalism," said Jimmy Woods business administration/theatre performance junior.
"It has also taught me how to do college the right way — leadership, organization and ethical skills."
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