New Century College program is helping black students finish what they start

Isaac Fatokun has his sights on earning his Associate of Arts degree at Century College, then going on to another school to study biochemistry. He credits a new program at the state's largest community college with keeping him on track.

Fatokun, of Oakdale, is one of 47 male students participating in "Be the Dream," a program intended to help black men find their place at the two-year college and get the support they need to finish their degrees.

"It's been very helpful," said Fatokun, who came to the United States three years ago from Nigeria. "You want to do well if people expect things from you."

One of those people is Herbert King, director of Century's Multi-Cultural Student Center. He meets regularly with participants to make sure they're on top of their course work and, if needed, he points them to resources such as academic counselors, tutors and mentors.

"It's really important because males in general won't seek support," King said. "They think they should have the answer."

It's during weekly "listening sessions" that King attempts to tie the students' academic pursuits with where they're headed in life. The sessions cover topics such as goal setting and applying for scholarships, along with skills they will need after school such as personal responsibility, financial literacy, how to make wise choices and how to be a good father.

"Besides academics, it teaches morals and life skills," Fatokun said.

"Being here is half the battle; they have a dream to do something," King said. "If they can use each other as a resource and build a sense of community, this will help them finish what they start at Century."

King started Be the Dream at the beginning of the 2011 school year in an effort to close the achievement gap between black students and the rest of the student body. School officials also hope to increase retention, course completion and graduation rates among the campus' 1,124 black students.

Fatokun and others who complete the Be the Dream program are rewarded with a small scholarship for books, financial aid, networking opportunities and career planning.

Although males of all races can participate in the program, Be the Dream is targeted at black freshmen who are new to Century.

King is hoping the program will attract more students next fall, and that those who have gone through Be the Dream this year will return to school next year and be mentors for the freshman class of 2012.