The Marygrove College Griot Program: A Grow Your Own Program for African American Male Teachers

Abstract

Marygrove College’s mission is to foster Christian values, educating students from diverse backgrounds, and serving the people of Detroit and beyond. This commitment consistently guides its actions, including opening its doors for men in a school originally for women by introducing one of the earlier Grow Your Own programs. Known as the “Griot Program,” it is specifically designed for African American males to increase their representation in the profession. This article describes the Griot Program’s efforts to grow and sustain African American Male Teachers by examining the design and implementation of the program. Describing specific issues of recruitment and retention, the article offers a program portrait for those who would like to replicate this home grown program.