Sam Houston Establishing Leadership In and Through Education (SH ELITE)

Institution:

Sam Houston State University

State:

Texas

Academic Level:

Baccalaureate

Issue Area:

Retention

Program Focus:

Male/Latinos

Website:

https://shsu.edu/dept/collaboration-outreach/elite

Key Personnel:

José R. Herrera

Contact Info:

jrherrera@shsu.edu | 936.294.2722

Overview

The Sam Houston Establishing Leadership In and Through Education (SH ELITE) program was established in 2010 and was developed in support of the "Closing the Gaps: The Texas Higher Education Plan" to increase minority retention and graduation rates in higher education institutions. The SH ELITE Program is a male, minority initiative designed to promote the retention and graduation of male, minority (i.e., Hispanic and African American) students at Sam Houston State University (SHSU).

Program Description

Established as a one-year freshmen program the SH ELITE program has now evolved into a four-year comprehensive program that serves incoming Hispanic and/or African American, male, first-time freshmen. Program components include:

1. Small group meetings build camaraderie and support networks, the program participants discuss topics and themes of student success strategies, personal development, and professional development.
2. Program participants attend a guest speaker series in which successful minority male professionals discuss their life and leadership experience.
3. Program participants attend workshops and seminars that range in topic from Microsoft Excel to How to Leverage Social Media for your Career.

Outcome

88.2% of SH ELITE students persist after their first-year, compared to 76.5% of all minority male first-time freshmen at SHSU.
57.8% of ELITE students earn a degree within 6 years, compared to all minority males (44.7%) and all undergraduates at SHSU (51.5%)
Course completion rates for SH ELITE students was 95%, compared to 81% of all minority male first-time freshmen at SHSU.

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