By Malachi Kudura, Contributing Writer
On Friday May 23, 2024, California Funders for Boys & Men of Color held its network meeting at the Southeastern Live Well Center. Its objectives are to deepen relationships among a multi-sector network of leaders committed to the health and well-being of San Diego County’s boys and men of color, and to inform participants of the Life Course Framework and data-driven solutions to implement and fund.
California Funders for Boys and Men of Color uses the Life Course Framework, developed by Arnold Chandler, the founder of Forward for Change Consulting, to guide their work and investments. Arnold Chandler was the keynote speaker, and explained how this framework effectively organizes a variety of complex factors that shape the outcomes we care about for boys of color, and how the issues they face intersect.
Arnold Chandler told the attendees, “Between the ages of 12-18 (adolescence) it’s important for boys of color to improve middle school grades to reduce course failures and ultimately increase high school graduation. Boys of color who drop out of high school have a 90% lifetime risk of imprisonment by age 30.” According to his research, it drops to 21% if they get a high school diploma or GED and it drops as low as 7% if they complete college.
“It is vital that boys and men of color have access to opportunities, resources, and investment and that we build a world that is safe and supportive for them to navigate these uncertain times. Building resilience means creating solutions for lasting change, not just temporary,” said Chet P. Hewitt.
It is very important we find the problems and solutions regarding giving our black and brown boys a better chance at a successful and prosperous life. Due to the environment, lack of economics, and lack of education, the pipeline to prison is a real issue. The California Funders for Boys and Men of Color brings together CEOs from the state’s leading philanthropic institutions to shape a better future for boys and men of color. This network and Life Course Framework is crucial to ensure Black and Brown boys and men have the tools needed to be successful in life.
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