2025 Summer Program & MBK-ACE
We are our brother's keepers!
I am excited you have chosen John Jay as your college. I am inviting you to join a special program collaboration we have planned for outstanding young men like you: MBK Connect and MBK-ACE. In this program you will meet other successful Men of Color, get a head start on your classes, and share in fun experiences, all while earning a $1000 stipend, taking a free course, receiving a free MetroCard, free John Jay merch, and establishing a strong brotherhood before the fall semester starts. After MBK-Connect, you will engage as an MBK-ACE Scholar during your next four years, so you can graduate on-time.
Here is the MBK-ACE Plan:
Participate in MBK Connect Summer Program
- Attend an online MBK Connect advisement and registration session on the afternoon of July 8.
- Join a 3-day from (July 8, 9, 10) orientation and a 5-week summer course (July 14 - August 14th every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 am - 3:00 pm).
- Select one of four exciting courses to take.
- Attend your class three days a week and enjoy lunch, social activities, and chill study time together after.
- Access to mentors and listen to inspiring speakers to learn of their college and professional journeys.
- Receive a free, unlimited MetroCard for traveling to and from John Jay for the duration of the program.
- Receive free tuition for this summer course.
- Receive $1000 for completing the course.
Engage as an MBK-ACE Scholar Each Semester
- Engage in academic and career activities.
- Receive a free OMNY Card for four years.
- Receive a textbook stipend ($500 each year).
- Receive tuition gap waiver (for students in receipt of Pell/Tap/NY DREAM Act).
- Be assigned to a dedicated ACE Academic Advisor, Career & Financial Aid Specialists.
- Get early course registration each semester.
- Secure winter/summer course scholarships to stay on track for graduation.
Are you ready to start your John Jay journey this July with MBK Conect and MBK-ACE? Let us know by completing this application and attending an MBK-ACE Info Session. A team member will contact you and schedule your info session.
I believe in you and your dreams so I am investing in you. Getting a good start in college and exploring your interests in a community of supportive male peers and mentors is the best way to bring your dreams to life.
Sincerely,
Karol V. Mason
President
MBK Connect participants 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 3-day orientation and the 5-week course will take place in person on the John Jay College of Criminal Justice campus, 524 West 59th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues in Manhattan. On the third day of the orientation, July 10, program participants will take a trip off campus. Transportation to and from the John Jay campus for this trip will be provided.
During Orientation Week, you should expect to be on campus:
July 8, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
July 9, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
July 10, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
July 14- August 14 – 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.
MBK Connect participants 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 main advantage of MBK Connect lies in the friendships and brotherhood forged by participants, access to invaluable mentorship, connections with esteemed faculty members, unwavering academic support, and transformative academic and social habits.
- Trips
- $1,000 stipend
- MetroCard
- Free 3-credit course
- Access to Fitness Center & Pool
- Networking
- Field Day
- College tips
Courses were 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 journey. If you know your major, we suggest certain courses based on majors. Don't worry if you do not know your major yet.
Course Options
AFR 140: Introduction to Africana Studies
CJBS 101: Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System
LLS 124: Latinx Communities in the United States
MAT 105: College Algebra
MAT 108: Social Science Math
SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology
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 about MBK-ACE, you can call the ACE Program at (212) 887-6136 or email JohnJayACE@jjay.cuny.edu. The ACE office is located on the 9th floor of the New Building at John Jay, in 9.65.