The Brotherhood Program

Nationally, college enrollment has been declining; in 2022, it was down 1.2 million students from 2011. Pew Research Center (Fry, 2023) cites that the majority of the decline is a result of fewer men pursuing college. This decline has long-reaching economic impacts. For example, limited educational attainment results in lowered personal lifetime earnings and wealth accumulation (Parker, 2021). Moreover, this decline also has far-reaching impacts for the national 

economy as it will result in a deficit of highly skilled workers (Mangan, 2022). Additionally, men are less likely to participate in collegiate student affairs and community engagement initiatives if enrolled. Want to learn more? Check out the sources below! 

1. Fry, R. (2023, December 18). Fewer young men are in college, especially at 4-year schools. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/12/18/fewer-young-men-are-in-college-especially-at-4-year-schools/ 
2. Loeffelman, M. P. (2020). College men, Community Engagement, and Masculinity: Ten Narratives of Men Making a Difference (Version 1). Purdue University Graduate School. https://doi.org/10.25394/PGS.12111549.v1 
3. Mangan, K. (2022). The Male Enrollment Crisis [Review of The Male Enrollment Crisis]. In Chronicle of Higher Education. Chronicle of Higher Education. https://www.chronicle.com/special-projects/the-different-voices-of-student-success/becoming-a-student-centric-institution/the-male-enrollment-crisis 
4. Parker, K. (2021, November 8). What’s behind the Growing Gap between Men and Women in College completion? Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/11/08/whats-behind-the-growing-gap-between-men-and-women-in-college-completion/  

All Augusta University students, regardless of gender identity, can participate in The Brotherhood through attending monthly events! First-year students must apply before the start of their first-year of school to be assigned a mentor. Admitted students begin receiving information about this program and other mentorship opportunities via e-mail annually in January.  

1. Students who participate in The Brotherhood have consistently achieved higher GPAs, completed more college credits, are retained at a higher rate, and are more engaged on campus than their unengaged peers.
2. Community Building, Peer Mentorship, Increased Opportunities for Engagement, Leadership Development, Increased College Success (retention, GPA, credit completion), Individual Success Coaching, and Holistic Wellbeing.