| This new report presents findings from the Research Alliance’s four-year evaluation of the Expanded Success Initiative (ESI), an effort to improve educational opportunities and increase college and career readiness among Black and Latino male students in 40 NYC high schools.
The report finds that ESI produced promising changes in school culture and relationships, but did not improve college readiness, as intended. Lessons from ESI may be particularly relevant as New York City makes substantial new investments in culturally relevant pedagogy and anti-bias training.
Launched in 2012, ESI provided funding, professional development, and ongoing support to help schools create or expand programming for young men of color in three core domains: academics, youth development and college-focused school culture. ESI also emphasized the principles of culturally relevant education (CRE) as a cross-cutting approach undergirding the three core domains. The new report draws on hundreds of interviews and focus groups conducted in ESI schools over four years; an annual survey administered to more than 5,000 students in ESI schools and a set of matched comparison school; and administrative records for students in both sets of schools. Among our key findings: - ESI provided schools with considerable autonomy and flexibility, and implementation and participation rates varied from school to school and year to year.
- ESI substantially increased Black and Latino young men’s exposure to key activities and supports.
- ESI improved school culture and relationships and enhanced Black and Latino male students’ sense of belonging and fair treatment.
- ESI did not improve academic performance, college readiness or enrollment.
| 
