On a clear, moonlit evening, a group of MIT undergraduate men of color gathered at the Samberg Center for a now-annual tradition: inducting the newest cohort of first-year students to The Standard, the Office of Minority Education's program for undergraduate men of color. The gathering was festive, featuring dinner and a spectacular view of Boston, along with inspiring remarks by Chancellor Melissa Nobles and Institute Community Equity Officer John Dozier.
"The event was a celebration of all the cohorts, past and present, and it was great to feel the love and support of the Standard community," recalls Justin Okorie, one of the first-year inductees that evening.
The Standard's mission is to "holistically support the academic, personal, and professional success of MIT's undergraduate men of color." But ask any member to describe their experience, and chances are they'll single out the powerful sense of community that Okorie sensed that night. "Being a part of the Standard is a family like no other," says Miles George '22 who, along with his twin brother Malik George '22, participated in The Standard. Both of them are still involved as alumni mentors, as they pursue their PhDs in biological engineering at the Institute.
Tailored and dynamic programming
Students who apply and are accepted to The Standard are asked to remain in the program for all four years, regularly attend program events, meet with Office of Minority Education (OME) staff for periodic check-ins, and maintain their GPA and academic progress. In return, they can participate in a wide variety of programming, from workshops on financial literacy, life skills, and professional development to social events like dinners, fun outings in and around Boston, and an annual retreat off campus. OME staff and faculty and alumni mentors provide valuable guidance and advice for the roughly 75 members as they progress along their academic and personal journey.
Some of the programming is tailored to each cohort's stage and needs. First-years generally spend time getting to know upper-level students, as well as their classmates; for example, The Standard staff creates "family tree" groups consisting of one member of each class year, so that the sense of community cuts across age and stage. Sophomores focus on how to take on a mentorship role with younger students, and juniors and seniors take part in career and professional development workshops to prepare them for life after MIT. Throughout their time with The Standard, there are ample opportunities to discuss important themes such as masculinity, racism, intersectional identities (such as what it means to be a man and a man of color), and well-being. The program also hosts events that allow students to interact with men of color on the faculty and in industry.
