The Men of Color Action Network (MOCAN) is an active support network that advocates for California Community College Men of Color while focusing on the systemic (academic, political, social) change needed to cultivate a learning environment that optimizes the success of male students of color.  Men of color in higher education face various hurdles, which include housing insecurities, food insecurities, transportation concerns, stressful life events, and employment barriers that negatively impact their degree attainment and college success. Cross-campus partnerships, institutional efforts, and culturally relevant activities are being implemented throughout California Community Colleges to increase the success of men of color.

In 2018, Compton College, El Camino College, Santa Monica College, and several other institutions started a collaborative effort to develop an annual conference that would bring men of color together from community colleges across Southern California. Through the conference, students, faculty, staff, and administrators have the opportunity to learn about best practices, learn from each other, and network.  

The conference, which has been attended by thousands of students and student services practitioners, has not only been free of charge for all attendees, but since 2020, students have been awarded direct stipends for attending the conference. Throughout the years, the men of color involved with MOCAN have had the opportunity to learn from each other’s best practices. As a result, several student support initiatives have been implemented to meet the needs of men of color at the community college level.

As of 2025, MOCAN has eight recognized campus chapters: Santa Monica College, Pasadena City College, El Camino College, Mt. San Antonio College, Rio Hondo College, Southwestern College, West Los Angeles College and Fullerton College. Our goal is to expand the number of official chapters to eleven by 2026.

The Men of Color Action Network (MOCAN) is an active support network that advocates for, provides resources to, and cultivates a community for diverse male students, faculty, staff, and administrators of color at California Community Colleges. MOCAN focuses on addressing systemic changes needed to foster an environment that optimizes the success and well-being of California Community College Men of Color.

MOCAN’s vision is to enhance the holistic experiences and outcomes of California Community College Men of Color. We will actively remove barriers, transform instruction and services, and raise critical consciousness in order for male students and professionals of color to realize their power and achieve their personal and professional goals.

Offering free academic and personal support services, resources, professional development opportunities, and community-based events, MOCAN strives to strengthen men of color systemwide through the achievement of the following goals:

• To uplift men of color from all backgrounds and provide resources and professional development as they advance through their educational and professional endeavors.

• To build relationships, form mentorships, and establish networks between students, faculty, and staff from multiple California community colleges and develop an overall sense of community for men of color.

• To form cross-campus partnerships, institutional efforts, and culturally relevant activities to increase the success of men of color in California Community Colleges.

We, the Men of Color Action Network, unite to empower and uplift ourselves and our communities through a shared purpose and a commitment to positive change. Our purpose is rooted in recognizing our unique experiences, challenges, and strengths, as well as our desire to make a meaningful impact in higher education.

Our purpose encompasses the following key principles:

1. Empowerment: MOCAN, the students, faculty, administrators, and staff, believes in reclaiming our power, and as a result, achieving our full potential. We acknowledge that systemic barriers exist, but we refuse to be defined by them. Instead, we strive to break down these barriers and create opportunities for personal and collective growth.

2. Unity: MOCAN understands the importance of unity within our diverse group. We come from various backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, but we find strength in our common identity as men of color. We seek to bridge differences and build a supportive community that fosters belonging and solidarity.

3. Leadership: MOCAN aspires to serve as leaders in our communities and beyond. We believe that by taking on leadership roles and responsibilities, we can effect positive change, inspire future generations, and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

4. Mentorship and Support: MOCAN commits to providing mentorship and recognizes the importance of guidance and encouragement that students need along their journey to success, and we aim to serve as positive role models.

5. Celebration of Culture: MOCAN celebrates and honors the rich diversity of our cultures and traditions. Our collective heritage is a source of strength and inspiration; we work to preserve and promote it.

The Men of Color Action Network aims to empower, uplift, educate, and advocate for our diverse community college students. We recognize that our unique experiences and backgrounds have shaped us into resilient and determined individuals. Together, we aim to be a positive force for change, building a more equitable and inclusive society for men of color in community colleges.

• Free access to the annual MOCAN Leadership Conference for up to 5 professionals and unlimited students

• Early registration access to annual MOCAN Leadership Conference and professional development workshops

• Technical assistance from dedicated MOCAN liaison campus(es), including: guidance on developing chapter budgets, equity proposals, grant/foundation funding requests, website content, Promise Program strategies, marketing vendors, data collection strategies, focus group questionnaires, programmatic materials (welcome letters, tutoring logs, office hour logs, student contract, etc), summer bridge outlines and curriculum, Fall on-boarding orientation, etc.

• Invitation to a MOCAN Campus Chapter Convening hosted in the summer prior to the start of the fall term

• Access to professional workshops and activities that offer a wide range of educational opportunities for students, faculty/staff/administration

• Use of the MOCAN Brand (prior approval needed)

• Access to practitioners who have implemented best practices and innovative strategies to address the success of community college men of color

• Access to archived workshop and conference materials

• Access to MOCAN member meetings