Purdue program aims to help black males succeed

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - Purdue University is taking steps to help its black male students succeed in college and in life.

The Black Male Excellence Network provides academic support and leadership development. The Journal & Courier reports (http://on.jconline.com/1AmFLiR ) it launched as a pilot in March and was implemented in September.

Program director Cason Brunt says statistics show black men consistently rank at the bottom of college retention and graduation rates across the country.

The BMEN program provides mentors, retreats, leadership seminars, etiquette dinners and academic support. It also includes discussions about dealing with discrimination and relationships with police and other authorities.

Participants say BMEN has created a brotherhood on a campus where only about 3 percent of students enrolled are black.

A similar program for black women also launched in the fall.

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Information from: Journal and Courier, http://www.jconline.com