Building Community

In the Spring of 2022, Ball State University implemented a new initiative aimed at increasing the recruitment and retention rates of men of color on campus.

Under the umbrella of the Multicultural Center, the Man 2 Men program was born. Through the first two years of its existence, the program has empowered and supported participants by providing academic, leadership, and professional opportunities.

“Our first couple of events and programs were based around mental health,” said Huy Huynh, ’18 MA ’21, assistant director of the Multicultural Center and Man 2 Men program coordinator. “We also held conversations about being able to express oneself, masculinity, and financial literacy.”

In the program’s first year, Man 2 Men had 44 members. Last year, membership increased by almost 40 percent.

The success of the program and its transformational impact on men of color led to a philanthropic gift of $150,000 from the American Electric Power Foundation through the Delivering on the Dream grant program.

Because of this generous gift, Man 2 Men awards $17,000 in financial aid scholarships each year to its members. In total, 31 students have received financial aid through the program.

In addition to its financial contributions, the program also provides a place of learning and growth for men of color.

“Man 2 Men is about finding your sense of belonging and finding your community,” Mr. Huynh said. “A big factor in persistence is the people you’re surrounded by—people that will elevate you, push you, and challenge you to be the best here.”

Learning life skills such as how to tie a tie, time management, and daily wellness are just some of the things that the Man 2 Men program instills in each of its members.

“This program has helped me express myself,” sophomore media student Jermaine Huddleston said. “Coming together with other men of color has made me realize that we’re all on the journey to success, and there are always ways to evolve. I love what the program offers.”