The Rise to Be Minority Male Initiative program is a highly focused and culturally sensitive support program designed to increase the retention and academic success of African American male students at MVSU. The focus of the initiative is student persistence, success and graduation. By providing a multi-faceted approach to programming that encourages academic achievement, promotes personal and professional development, and provides opportunities for leadership, African American male students enrolled at MVSU will be encouraged and motivated to persist to graduation and achieve their goals.