National Men of Color Conference

National Men of Color Conference

Term: Spring 2017

Description: The mission of the Men of Color National Summit at Clemson University is to close the achievement gap for African-American and Hispanic males, from cradle to career. Bringing together approximately 2,000 high school and college students, business professionals, educators, government officials and community leaders from around the country, the summit will emphasize the importance of education, best practices and choices to increase high school and college graduation rates. The national conference will lead to awareness of the changing U.S. demographics by enhancing the experience of men of color through involvement and engagement, preparing them for a global mindset.

Learning Outcomes:

SWiBAT: Identify 2 principles from the workshops or keynotes speakers that I can apply to my work

SWiBAT: Identify at least three colleagues, 2 mid-level professionals, and 1 senior-level professional that I can add to my professional network, collect a business card from each professional and connect in person or through email following the conference

	SLO #1  Identifying Principles	SLO #2 Networking
Advanced	Student identified more than two ideas or principles from conference workshops or keynote speakers. Student Developed a strategic plan on how to implement the ideas or principles into my current work.	Student exceeded the numerical targets for this outcome and made meaningful follow up connections with each individual
Competent	Student identified two ideas or principles from conference workshops or keynote speakers. Student Developed a strategic plan on how to implement the ideas or principles into my current work.	Student made 3 meaningful connections with colleagues, 2 mid-level professionals, and 1 senior-level professional. Student followed-up with each individual
Basic	Student identified one ideas or principles from conference workshops or keynote speakers. Student Developed a strategic plan on how to implement the ideas or principles into my current work.	Student made less than 3 meaningful connections with colleagues, 2 mid-level professionals, or 1 senior-level professional or student failed to follow-up with these individuals
Poor	The student failed to identify any ideas or principles that the student could implement in his current work	Student did not make meaningful connections with other professionals at the conference

Below are pictures from the conference

Reflection: Clemson University First Annual Men of Color conference was an amazing experience. I am beyond grateful to have been privileged with the opportunity and honor of experiencing the Men of Color Conference. The session I had the opportunity to attend provided great information and the discussions that took place in these workshops  between professionals were uplifting and necessary. The dialogue was very enriching!

For the second learning outcome, I scored myself a 4 because I was able to identify more than 2 principles that I can transfer to my work. In addition, I also I surpassed my numerical targets in relation to my networking. I had the opportunity to engage with senior level professionals including the Keynote speaker David J. Johns, Former Executive Director, White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African-Americans. I also followed up with him via email and we have been corresponding ever since.