African American Education Empowerment Program (AME)

We see you. We hear you. We feel you.

We share your anger. We share your loss. We share in your mourning.

We know that systemic racism is real.

We know that structural inequality is real.

We know that police brutality is real.

We believe that racism is a public health threat.

Like a virus or a cancer, racism continues to evolve.

Racism must be stopped to affirm that Black Lives Matter.

We stand with our Black students in pursuit of racial justice.

We invite others to join us.

Let’s eliminate barriers and build bridges together.

Let’s re-imagine beloved community

in honor of our ancestors and descendants.

The Division of Equity and Inclusion,
Minneapolis College

If you have any questions, contact the coordinator Charles Watson
Advising appointments will be available via Zoom video or Zoom calls. To schedule an appointment, please contact Charles Watson .
We are presently exploring different platforms to deliver virtual programming (i.e. Facebook, YouTube video, livestreaming, etc.) To find out more information about virtual programming through the AME space, please keep checking this page or contact Charles Watson.
For ongoing updates on COVID-19 and Minneapolis College’s response to the pandemic and government restrictions, please check your CAMPUS (@go.minneapolis.edu) email at least once daily.

In this time of struggle and uncertainty, we need to remind ourselves of a basic fact: We Are Family—all together parts of AME. Our collective well-being is tied to your individual movement forward. AME is still here to bridge those gaps on your way to academic and professional excellence.

Creating a Culture of Excellence and Inclusiveness for Students of Color

The African American Education Empowerment Program (AME) mission is to develop and create pathways for the educational success of students of color. Through intentional programming and support, students develop leadership capacity through mentoring and increased involvement in the college community, society, nation and the world.

AME creates opportunities for the educational success of all students with an emphasis on African American students and students of color at Minneapolis College. There are 3 distinct student groups within AME—Brother to Brother (B2B), Sisters of the Diaspora (SoD) and Student Transition and Education Program (STEP). Empowering students in the development of leadership skills, AME programs contribute to the personal growth, retention, and graduation of students.

Many of the AME core values are reflected in the Adinkra symbols developed by the Akan people of Ghana. The Ram’s Horn (Dwannimmen) conveys an ancient traditional knowledge relevant to aspects of the classroom environment and student life on campus: we embrace the strength found in wisdom, while encouraging the humility embodied in continuous study and improvement.

AME programs provide the following benefits:

Academic advising services to guide students from admission to graduation; including application, FAFSA, Accuplacer prep, and SAP appeal
A supportive community that creates access/pathways to resources; including scholarships, fellowships, internships, and work study
Peer and faculty tutoring
Math and writing institute
Quiet study hall and Group study jams
Mentoring
Service learning and career development opportunities
Sense of welcome, acceptance, and belonging

AME is a place where scholarship and capacity building happen—where students feel a sense of belonging, connection, and accountability to enrich their educational experience. AME is living African American history, AME is how can we help, and AME is where scholarship earns. What we need is you.

Support Services

Additional resources are available:

Boynton Student Health Clinic provides healthcare services by medical professionals on campus to all enrolled Minneapolis College students. Most services are provided at no cost to students.
For information about food pantries, food closets, food banks, soup kitchens, congregate meal locations, food boxes and vouchers, visit foodpantries.org.
For online mental health resources, call 612-584-0077 or visit Synergy Therapy online or call 612-642-1355.
Hennepin County provides in-person mental health services.
- The Crisis Text Line offers free help to those who are having a mental health crisis or are contemplating suicide. Just text "MN" to 741741. Services are available 24/7 across Minnesota.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-279-TALK (8255).
- Hennepin County residents can call COPE (Community Outreach for Psychiatric Emergencies) 24/7 at 612-596-1223.

Brother to Brother (B2B)

Brother to Brother (B2B) is an organization designed to improve the quality and outcome of education for African American male students, and all other Minneapolis College students, by supporting successful academic progress and character development.

The mission of B2B is to ensure the retention and matriculation of its student member participants by creating pathways to academic and personal achievement. Members cultivate identity, unity, and accountability in order to strengthen their roles as engaged citizens of the Minneapolis College community.

Sisters of the Diaspora (SoD)

Sisters of the Diaspora (SoD) is an organization designed to improve the quality and outcome of education for African American female students, and all other Minneapolis College students, by supporting successful academic progress and character development.

The mission of SoD is to ensure the retention and matriculation of its student member participants by creating pathways to academic and personal achievement. Members cultivate identity, unity, and accountability in order to strengthen their roles as engaged citizens of the Minneapolis College community.

Student Transition and Education Program (STEP)

Student Transition and Education Program (STEP) is dedicated to a tailored support for the rapidly changing needs of today’s student population at Minneapolis College.

The mission of STEP is to increase retention and graduation rates among ex-offenders. Building on a culture of excellence and inclusiveness, STEP creates pathways to academic and professional success by promoting personal development and transitional skills. STEP works to restore the classroom confidence and civic engagement of vulnerable members of our campus community.