The Higher Education Male Achievement Collaborative (HEMAC) is a joint initiative of the American Institute for Boys and Men (AIBM) and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. HEMAC aims to bring together a diverse group of partners committed to addressing the issue of declining male achievement rates in higher education. By fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and supporting innovative approaches, HEMAC seeks to address these challenges and promote the academic success of men across the nation.
THE CHALLENGE
Male achievement in American higher education institutions is declining at an alarming rate:
Men now account for just 2 out 5 college degrees, fewer than the share women received in 1972.
Less than half of men who enroll complete a four-year degree within the expected time frame.
Increasing numbers of male students arrive at college with significant mental health needs and associated challenges.
Black men have the lowest graduation rates.
Men from rural communities have the lowest enrollment rates.
OUR OPPORTUNITY
A growing number of institutions of higher education are devoting resources to addressing the challenges facing men in college, from declining enrollment and graduation rates to mental health.
HEMAC provides an opportunity for its partners to collaborate and share best practices, research, and lessons learned as they seek to better understand and ultimately more effectively address these challenges.
“Gender equality is not a zero-sum game. We can do more for boys and men without doing less for women and girls. We can be passionate about women’s rights, and compassionate towards the struggles of boys and men.”
Richard V. Reeves
President, American Institute for Boys and Men
PARTNERSHIP
A growing number of institutions of higher education are devoting resources to addressing the challenges facing men in college, from declining enrollment and graduation rates to mental health.
HEMAC provides an opportunity for its partners to collaborate and share best practices, research, and lessons learned as they seek to better understand and ultimately more effectively address these challenges.
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Shared Online Learning CommunityOur digital presence includes a partners-only moderated platform with regular original posts from network leaders and affiliates and open opportunities to engage in discussions, share lessons, and build collaboration. |
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Regular Virtual EventsPartners participate in and present at monthly community webinars on research, programs and initiatives. Topics are selected based on partner interest. |
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Annual ConveningThis event – in the works for Spring 2025 – is open only to HEMAC partners and will feature keynotes, panels, and opportunities for networking. Up to three people from each partner institution will be able to participate. |
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Toolkits and Reference MaterialThese resources synthesize research, summarize learnings and ongoing challenges, and include case studies on promising strategies. |
Inaugural Partners
Individual Scholar Partners:
Iokaim Boutakidis (California State University, Fullerton)
Adrian Huerta (University of Southern California)
JOIN OUR NETWORK
Working together, we can reverse the decline in male achievement and improve academic outcomes. To join or learn more, please contact our partnership office.