Educator Excellence Institute (EEI)(New) Program Overview:
The CMOCC Educator Excellence Institute (EEI) is a culturally grounded, research-based educator development pipeline created to recruit, prepare, support, and advance men of color within Colorado’s education ecosystem. Modeled after the mission-driven approach of the Center for Black Educator Development, the EEI focuses on creating intentional pathways that elevate the presence, influence, and impact of Black, Latino, Indigenous, and Asian male educators—from early interest to career advancement.
The EEI addresses one of Colorado’s most urgent challenges: the acute underrepresentation of men of color in the teacher workforce, a reality that negatively impacts student outcomes, school culture, and community connection. The CMOCC Consortium for Male Educators exists to build a unified, statewide & national network that strengthens, elevates, and sustains the presence of men of color within the nation’s K–12 and higher education systems. The Consortium brings together educators, school leaders, university partners, nonprofits, and community organizations to address three urgent needs:
The Consortium serves as the backbone network that connects initiatives, aligns resources, and elevates the collective power of men of color who are transforming the nation’s schools. |
Health & Wellness ProgramProgram Overview
The CMOCC Health and Wellness Program is a holistic, culturally responsive initiative designed to support the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of men of color across Colorado. Recognizing the unique stressors, systemic barriers, and cultural stigmas that often prevent men from seeking support, CMOCC creates safe, affirming spaces where healing is normalized and wellness is accessible. Through signature events such as the Annual Men’s Mental Health Summit, community hikes, mindfulness workshops, and partnerships with trusted mental health professionals of color, the program encourages men to pause, breathe, reflect, and engage in whole-person wellness practices that strengthen resilience and promote long-term health.
Beyond individual healing, the Health and Wellness Program focuses on community wellness as a collective responsibility. CMOCC intentionally builds opportunities for brotherhood, connection, vulnerability, and peer support—knowing that wellness expands when men feel seen, valued, and connected. Guided by principles of culturally grounded wellness, the program integrates trauma-informed practices, emotional literacy, and movement-based activities to empower men of color to lead healthier lives at home, at work, and in their communities. Ultimately, CMOCC’s Health and Wellness Program is about restoring balance, nurturing mental and emotional strength, and transforming Colorado into a place where men of color can thrive, not just survive. Social Mobility ProgramProgram Overview
The CMOCC Social Mobility Program is designed to break down systemic barriers and expand pathways to economic advancement for men of color across Colorado. Grounded in the belief that opportunity should not depend on race, zip code, or background, this program equips participants with the tools, networks, and experiences necessary to access upward mobility. Through partnerships with workforce organizations, industry leaders, higher education institutions, and local employers, CMOCC helps men develop marketable skills, build professional confidence, and pursue career pathways that lead to sustainable income and long-term financial stability. From leadership development workshops to job-placement support and skill-building sessions, the program places economic empowerment at the center of community advancement.
More than a career program, the Social Mobility initiative serves as a catalyst for generational change. CMOCC recognizes that social mobility is not only about securing employment—it’s about building wealth, accessing opportunities, and transforming the conditions that shape everyday life for men of color and their families. By intentionally fostering mentorship, financial literacy, networking opportunities, and community-based support systems, CMOCC creates the environment needed for men to thrive professionally and personally. The program ultimately elevates participants into roles where they can lead, earn, build, and reinvest in their communities—helping shift Colorado toward a more equitable future where all men of color can rise. |