Mission & Goals

What Is MBK Connect?

My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) is an initiative launched by President Barack Obama in 2014 to ensure that men of color reach their full potential. Conceived by John Jay College President Karol V. Mason in partnership with the Obama Foundation, MBK Connect represents the inaugural endeavor to advance the fundamental principles of MBK in higher education. This groundbreaking initiative is intentionally designed to increase academic preparedness, retention, and educational outcomes and shepherd continued success throughout the collegiate journey. 

In partnership with the Borough of Manhattan Community College, My Brother’s Keeper NYC, and the Eagle Academy Foundation, MBK Connect gives scholars access an immersive and best practices-based college bridge program prior to matriculation as full-time students, entrée into a community of mentors and mentees supported by faculty and staff, and membership into a brotherhood focused on individual, group, and community success and well-being.

MBK Connect Mission

Guided by John Jay’s commitment to justice and student success, MBK Connect is a program designated for Men of Color either in their first two years or first transfer semester. MBK students enter into a brotherhood rooted in personal and group academic success, intellectual and social enrichment, and the exploration of professional opportunities in preparation for careers of consequence. This program fosters their development, from MBK Student to MBK Scholar, as they flourish into empowered, motivated, and equity minded leaders who hold themselves accountable to improving the well-being of themselves, their families, and their communities.

MBK Connect Goals

1. Empower MBK Connect Scholars to achieve individual and collective academic excellence
2. Immerse MBK Connect Scholars in a culture and programming centered in values-based leadership, personal and intergroup responsibility, and community engagement
3. Equip MBK Connect Scholars for post-graduate success through relevant, impactful, and culturally responsive professional development and career exploration, planning, and preparation
4. Nurture the intellectual talents, social knowledge and skills, and emotional awareness of the MBK Scholars in an environment focused on personal and community health and well-being