Webinar Description: Preparing Black males for careers is vital for contributing to innovation and enhancing a diverse workforce in the United States. However, Black males tend to have lower academic outcomes and higher unemployment rates compared to their Black female peers as well as other racial groups.
Black boys and young men face systemic challenges that underscore the need for targeted career counseling and coaching. Educational inequities, such as underfunded schools and underrepresentation in accelerated learning (e.g., advanced placement courses, dual enrollment, gifted and talented education, honors, and the International Baccalaureate program) combined with disproportionate disciplinary actions disrupt their academic and career pathways. Implicit biases and stereotypes lower expectations and restrict opportunities for growth. A lack of visible representation in leadership roles and culturally relevant mentorship diminishes career aspirations.
Systemic racism in hiring, promotions, and wages further complicates career navigation, while discrimination and microaggressions erode confidence and motivation. Stress from navigating these barriers, along with societal stereotypes, impacts mental health and academic performance. Limited exposure to internships, apprenticeships, and career exploration programs restricts informed decision-making about potential paths.
This webinar will offer specific recommendations and proven strategies on how career practitioners (e.g., advisors, facilitators, career counselors, and school counselors) can better collaborate with Black males around career development in P-12 schools and in postsecondary institutions.
Learning Objectives:
Identify the academic and social factors that impact the career readiness of Black males. Recognize the assets and strengths of Black males and translating them into career development. Discuss the strategies that career practitioners (e.g., advisors, facilitators, career counselors, and school counselors) can use to collaborate with Black males in P-12 schools and in postsecondary institutions to identify career options.
Your Presenter: Erik M. Hines, Ph.D., CCC
Erik M. Hines, Ph.D., CCC is a Professor of Counseling in the Division of Child, Family, and Community Engagement within the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University. Dr. Hines prepares graduate students to be counselors in a clinical or school setting. His research agenda revolves around: (a) postsecondary readiness for Black males; (b) academic and career outcomes of Black males; (c) parental involvement and its impact on academic achievement for students of color; and (d) career exploration for students of color in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
He has secured over $12.5 million dollars in external and internal funding. Additionally, Dr. Hines has accumulated over 80 publications, including two co-edited books, Equity-Based Career Development and Postsecondary Transitions: An American Imperative and Black Males in Secondary and Postsecondary Education: Teaching, Mentoring, Advising and Counseling as well as an edited book, In Pursuit of Academics: Engaging Black Males in P-12 Schools.
