College Educate Our Sons (CEOS) is an interfaith organization that strives to educate, form and nurture transformational leaders who will raise college awareness for boys and young men so it is embedded in the community and family culture. We will build an understanding among diverse peoples to encourage them to motivate boys and young men to achieve academically and be prepared for entrance into college and universities.

There has been a dramatic, worldwide decline in the number of men in colleges and universities over the last fifty years. The rates in the US for men enrolled in four year colleges declined from 70% in 1949 to 42% in 2006 (Sax, 2007). It is estimated that by 2020 the ratio of women to men who will earn their BA degree will be 156 to 100.

Interestingly, statistics are now showing that there is a growing apathy for studies amongst boys of all income levels, races and ethnicities; including those in small and large cities and affluent and the not so affluent suburbs (Sax, 2007). While we laud and are happy with the increase among women, we are concerned about the decline among men. This decline in enrollment in higher education among males reinforces a lack of motivation and inadequate role models.

We believe that high school and college graduation rates are a barometer of the health of society. Hence, an increase in the number of men in colleges and universities will create a more secure and attractive environment for families, a safer society, a better and more balanced setting in which children and youth will be nurtured. Producing a more educated cadre of male thinkers to face the challenges ahead will help motivate boys during their impressionable years to positively consider college.

Thus, we are assembling people of all races and religious denominations around the world to pray for young men to make graduating from college a life’s goal. We are encouraging the establishment of centers in churches, mosques, synagogues, schools, youth clubs, etc., where the mentoring of young men can take place to increase and sustain their academic achievement, resulting in college enrollment and graduation. Finally, we are organizing mentors who will focus on increasing male enrollment in higher education institutions and helping men to complete their studies through graduation.