Dalila Wilson-Scott, President of the JPMorgan Chase Foundation,
recently spoke with Dr. Robert Ross about the specific challenges facing young
men of color and a few of the efforts underway to help them graduate from high
school ready to succeed in college and beyond. Dr. Ross is the President and
CEO of The
California Endowment, a private health foundation committed
to improving the health of underserved and low-income Californians.
Q: What kinds of challenges do young men of color face in America today?
Dr. Ross: There are number of challenges that
young men of color, particularly Black and Latino males, are confronted by
today. In particular, these young men face difficulties at school – including
disproportionately high high-school dropout, suspension and expulsion rates.
Many young men of color lack job opportunities and exposure to positive male
role models. Data and research show many young men of color, particularly from
urban communities, are dealing with a daunting sense of hopelessness.
Q: Are there opportunities to help solve these
challenges for young men of color?
Dr. Ross: The promising news is that we can
disrupt this pathway to hopelessness by improving access to quality education
and training and by introducing a caring adult in the right setting and at the
right time.
I know this from personal experience. I grew up in
the South Bronx, in a New York City housing project, and so I understand what
it’s like to try and rise up from an underprivileged background and have an
opportunity to achieve in school and in life.
Q: What kinds of programs are really working in
tackling this challenge?
Dr. Ross: It is critically important for to
have an adult role model who can help steer young people in the right direction
and help them make better decisions. That can be a coach, teacher, mentor – anyone
who sets the right example and demonstrates to a young person that they aren’t
alone, that they will have support over the long-term.
Q: Is this just a problem for our communities
of color? Why is this an issue the nation should care about?
Dr. Ross: First of all, we live in a global,
competitive economy and we simply can’t afford to lose human capital; our young
people are critical to our nation’s present and our nation’s future. The unique
perspectives and diversity of experiences these students bring to our economy
and corporate America is simply invaluable. Secondly, helping impoverished
communities rise restores faith in the American promise. This is a country that
has always said that if you work hard, keep your nose clean, pay your dues and
go to school, then there’s an opportunity for you. Read more:
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