By Theaibold Kennon III
Lamp staff
SPRINGFIELD — For African-American male college students, financial concerns often bring their high hopes of a college education to an early end.
But Michael Phelon and the new Open Door Mentorship Program lessen those concerns.
Michael Phelon is the coordinator for Lincoln Land’s new Open Door Mentorship Program.
”I am developing a program that is geared toward African-American males.” Phelon said. “Internships, mentorship, just academic support for African-American males.”
The goal of the program is to prevent young black male students from putting off their education. With financial concerns being a driving force on why African-American males end up leaving college pursuits, Phelon has made contacts with the local Chamber of Commerce and can offer 30 internships at local businesses.
“Being at Lincoln Land, there are a lot of resources here.” Phelon said.
He encourages students going through tough financial times to use the services at LLCC, such as visiting financial aid advisers or going to the school’s Foundation.
Beside just helping struggling students with money for books and tuition, The Open Door Mentorship helps any student with life needs.
“We have tutoring available downstairs. We have counseling here on campus. We’re in the process of building a food pantry.” Phelon said.
Phelon has built this program for African-American students, both male and female, leaving the high school or their first time, need to seek out others they can learn from or lean on
The Open Door Mentorship is for students to branch out and meet students who don’t look act or think like them.
“We are treading in new waters here with this, and some new initiatives that Lincoln Land is trying to do like the Workforce Development. The school is meeting issues head on,” Phelon said.
Although this is a new program for the college, it is moving toward more diversity and inclusion on the campus.
Phelon is happily married for eight years and the father of two, a son, Kingston, 6 and a daughter Mary, 4.
He played college basketball, but is more known to play with the members of his local Boys and Girls Club nowadays.
Phelon has a degree in graphic design from the University of South Alabama and is currently readying for his master’s degree.
Phelon can be reached at Student Services Office, Menard Hall 1148.
Theiabold Kennon can be reached at [email protected].
