THOMASVILLE — Davidson County Community College has joined the Community College Equity Assessment Lab’s National Consortium on College Men of Color.

NCCMC is the first consortium dedicated to helping men of color succeed in community college.

“Participation in the NCCMC will enhance our commitment to improving the success of historically underrepresented and underserved students, including men of color,” said Margaret Annunziata, newly appointed vice president of academic affairs at DCCC.

Despite programs designed to enhance outcomes for men of color, in the United States only 17 percent and 15 percent of black and Latino men, respectively, earn a certificate, degree or transfer from a community college to a four-year institution in six years. Data related to men from other ethnic groups — including Native American and Southeast Asian — also indicate a need for more attention and resources.

To combat this achievement gap, the consortium facilitates an exchange of ideas among community colleges across the nation on how best to serve men of color in community colleges. Participating institutions share their efforts and learn about new strategies.

“This innovative group of college leaders will be instrumental in implementing cutting-edge practices and policies to address the achievement gap facing underrepresented men,” said J. Luke Wood, co-director of the assessment lab.

As a NCCMC member, the college will share learning opportunities with community colleges nationwide, assessment tools to help evaluate programs, and access to a network of institutions also seeking to close the achievement gap for underrepresented students.

The program also will enhance professional development for faculty and staff and inspire initiatives to address challenges facing these students, college officials sais.