AAMI 2.0
With AAMI 2.0, we strengthened the program’s infrastructure, implemented continuity in best practices, and provided advanced strategic professional development for directors, while blending campus programming with the USG’s Momentum Approach.
AAMI is committed to significantly increasing the performance of program participants in each key area measured by the University System.
This is achieved through customized programming that aligns with the AAMI Integrated Program Model that prepares students for careers and life post-graduation. The model includes four key components:
- Academic Skills Enrichment
- Student Support Services
- Adult & Peer Mentoring
- Leadership Development
The COVID-19 pandemic presented extraordinary challenges in academia across the country. During the pandemic, AAMI supported students to effectively transition from in-person classes to the online format.
We implemented loaner programs where students could sign out laptops to access online courses or meetings. Advanced calculators that were required for math classes were also made available as loaners. Something as simple as a calculator can make the difference between passing or failing a class.
Understanding that tutors or the campus study center are not always available when needed, AAMI provides an opportunity for students to have access to 24/7 online tutoring services.
Continuing to adapt to the needs of the students, AAMI has incorporated destigmatizing mental health sessions and put into practice methods around navigating “zoom fatigue”. The goal is to equip program participants with the necessary tools to excel academically, as well as take care of themselves.
With college campuses reopened for in-person classes and meetings, AAMI is safely carrying out our Integrated Program Model.
The Outcomes
AAMI has consistently made strides towards guiding African American males towards success. This is reflected in the data collected by the University System of Georgia’s Office of Research and Policy Analysis.
Enrollment
Even during the pandemic AAMI enrollment continued to increase. As of Fall 2021, we currently serve approximately 1500 students, with 14 programs having between 90 to 200 students enrolled.
Average Cumulative GPA
Of the Fall 2020 cohort of Bachelor-Degree seeking students, there were four institutions (19% of participating institutions) where the Average Cumulative GPAs of AAMI students were greater than that of the institution.
Furthermore, AAMI students consistently exceed the Average Cumulative GPAs of all African American males on their respective campuses.
Retention Rate
Of the Fall 2019 programs with 10 or more students, 20% of the programs had 100% retention rates. A total of 38% of the programs exceeded the institution’s retention rates.
Graduation Rate
AAMI consistently produces higher graduation rates than that of the overall African American male (AAM) population. For programs with 10 or more students (with reportable data), AAMI produced higher graduation rates for bachelor degree-seeking students than the overall AAM population at Georgia Tech (3 consecutive years) and the University of West Georgia(UWG) (3 consecutive years). For the 2014 cohort, UWG’s AAMI exceeded the institution graduation rate at 50.0% vs 44.35%, and in some years were close to the institutions’ rates. (Graduation rates are based on 6 years and first-time full-time students.)
Degrees Conferred
From FY2018 to FY2020, AAMI students received 6% to 40% of the number of bachelor’s degrees conferred upon all AAMs. Of note, AAMI students represented 40% of the AAMs who received bachelor degrees at Georgia Southwestern State University (FY2020) and Georgia College (FY2018) and 24% of the AAMs who received bachelor degrees at Georgia Tech in FY2020 & FY2018