The African-American Male Initiative program is supported by the University System of Georgia’s African-American Male Initiative (AAMI) started in 2002. AAMI is designed to increase the number of students who complete their postsecondary education from any USG institution. Its mission is to provide an integrated program model of academic, leadership and life skills that supports any participating student to successfully complete each academic level and graduate.
AAMI at Georgia College & State University (GCSU) is committed to significantly increasing the collegiate experience of program participants. This is achieved through customized programming that aligns with the AAMI prepares students for careers and life post-graduation through five components:
Academic Skills Enrichment
Sense of Belonging
Student Support Services
Professional & Peer Mentoring
Leadership Development
If you are interested in learning more about AAMI at GCSU, complete our interest form found here.
Benefits of Participating in AAMI
Opportunities for increased campus involvement: Engage in various campus activities, student organizations, and leadership roles to foster a sense of belonging and enhance personal development.
Exclusive training and events: Participate in specialized sessions on topics such as academic success, financial literacy, professional development, mental health and wellness, time management, study skills, and career planning.
Exclusive social events: Enjoy unique social gatherings, including networking mixers, cultural events, recreational outings, and group activities that promote camaraderie among participants.
Opportunities to connect with mentors and peers: Build a strong support network by connecting with mentors, faculty, alumni, and peers within the program, fostering lasting relationships and collaborative learning experiences.
Access to career-building resources: Receive assistance with resume writing, interview preparation, internship placements, and job shadowing opportunities to enhance career readiness.
Leadership development opportunities: Engage in workshops and seminars designed to enhance leadership skills, including public speaking, teamwork, conflict resolution, and project management.
Community service and civic engagement: Participate in service-learning projects, volunteer activities, and civic engagement initiatives that contribute to the local community while developing personal and social responsibility.
Guidance for graduate school preparation: Receive support for graduate school preparation, including application assistance, test preparation resources, and exploration of advanced degree options.
Make a Gift
Making a gift to via our Georgia College & State University Foundation is easy and there are several ways of giving from which to choose.
Online You can contribute online with your credit or debit card using our secure online giving webpage. Under the “Designation” field, select “Other.” Then, type “African-American Male Initiative” in the “Other” field. Then, fill out the necessary information!
Telephone You can make a gift by telephone using your American Express, MasterCard, Visa or Discover card by calling 478-445-5400 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Make sure you verbally tell the representative that you wish your gift to be restricted to Georgia College’s African-American Male Initiative.
Mail Personal or business checks may be written to the Georgia College & State University Foundation and mailed to:
Office of University Advancement Campus Box 96 Milledgeville, GA 31061
Please be sure to indicate that the donation is for the Georgia College & State University African-American Male Initiative.
Contact
AAMI
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Lauren Easom
Executive Director of Student Success and Career Development
She received her B.B.A. in Economics from Valdosta State University in December of 2011, and graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Master of Education in December of 2014. While attending Valdosta State she helped charter the institution’s Phi Beta Lambda chapter and later became the organization’s first President. She was also an active member of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Biography
Lauren Easom, M. Ed., GCDF, serves as the Executive Director of Student Success & Career Development at Georgia College & State University. With a wealth of experience exceeding ten years in the field of Career Development, she has undertaken a variety of pivotal roles throughout her career journey. In her previous role at the Wyoming Department of Education, Lauren was responsible for the oversight of the state's Career Development initiatives, Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), and Career and Technical Demonstration Project Grant. Additionally, she has a background as an Upward Bound Director and Career Development Specialist under The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Lauren is deeply passionate about Career Development within the realm of higher education. She recognizes its crucial role in offering students valuable opportunities and experiences that can shape their futures.
