Join MBK Connect '24

MBK CONNECT is an orientation program to the college designed specifically for incoming men of color in their first year. These men will meet one another in advance of the fall semester, get comfortable with John Jay and what it means to be a college student, take a course that will accelerate their progress academically, while also creating social bonds and positive academic habits that will propel their success in college.

The 3-day orientation and the 5-week course will take place in person on the John Jay College of Criminal Justice campus, 524 West 59^th Street, between 10^th and 11^th Avenues in Manhattan. On the third day of the orientation, July 11, program participants will take a trip off campus.  Transportation to and from the John Jay campus for this trip will be provided.

Orientation Week – expect to be on campus

July 9 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
July 10 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
July 11 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
July 16- August 15 – expect to be on campus
Tuesday – Thursday each week 9:30 am – 3:00 pm

Yes, program participants will receive a ticket to eat in the John Jay cafeteria or will have lunch provided each day they participate.

Participants in the program will receive free tuition for the course of their choosing, complimentary textbooks tailored to their course, an unlimited MetroCard at no cost, and upon successful completion of the course, a stipend of $1000. However, the advantages of MBK CONNECT lies in participants forge friendships and brotherhood, access invaluable mentorship, establish connections with esteemed faculty members, receive unwavering academic support, and cultivate transformative academic and social habits.

The short menu of courses have been chosen because they are required for most students and will advance progress toward your degree. We have also selected excellent professors who, as Black and Latino men, have been in your shoes and want to help you launch your exceptional John Jay journeys.

Click for summer 2024 CONNECT course options

If you know your major, we suggest certain courses based on majors. If you do not know your major don’t worry.

MBK stands for My Brother’s Keeper, the initiative started by President Barack Obama in 2014 to ensure that Black, Latino and Native American men can reach their full potential. John Jay College is an MBK Institution of Higher Education. We care about all students’ success, and understand that brotherhood and mentorship are key to advancing the aspirations of our men of color.

Conceived by President Karol Mason in partnership with the Obama Foundation, MBK CONNECT is a labor of love by people across the college and centered in the Urban Male Initiative.

For more information you can call the Urban Male Initiative (UMI) at (646) 557-4557 or email umi@jjay.cuny.edu. The UMI Student Resource Center is located on the Lobby level of the New Building at John Jay, in L73 and L74.