The Equity and Inclusion focus area was created after data showed that African American males ages 19-24 had the lowest retention and completion rates of the student cohorts studied and student surveys and focus groups pointed to a high number of obstacles and low support systems for members of this group. In an effort to assist African American males with these problems, the Equity and Inclusion members created A-MALE (African Males Addressing Life Effectively), a support group that works to diminish obstacles and build a network for these students throughout their time here at DACC. In conjunction with the A-MALE group for African American males, the Equity and Inclusion members also created a leadership class called WISE (Women Inspiring Success Effectively) for African American females that works to provide the same information and support as A-MALE in a more structured setting.