This report is designed to help readers better understand some of the basic facts related to the diminished life chances for boys and men of color in California. By examining the differences in relative odds for different outcomes, the authors provide evidence of the link between poor outcomes in specific areas and diminished life chances for boys and young men of color. Progress on improving the odds for boys and men of color in California begins with a common understanding of what the biggest challenges are and what we know about how to start addressing those challenges.

This report provides a broad overview of areas where the greatest disparities for boys and men of color exist as a way to identify possible starting points for addressing these disparities. In particular, the authors worked with The California Endowment to identify four broad outcome domains and select specific indicators within each domain to examine where boys and young men of color now stand relative to their white counterparts. Despite the high odds working against boys and men of color, there is reason for hope, as there are significant areas of opportunity in which to begin making an important difference in changing the life course of boys and men of color. The authors present information about different strategies for diminishing the disparities for boys and men of color, including effective programs, practices and policies.

The report also highlights those indicators in which the likelihoods for certain social outcomes— for example, being born to a teenage mother, being the victim of homicide, or not completing high school—are two times greater than they are for white boys and men, showing the data behind the odds and briefly discussing some of the possible causes and consequences of the poor outcomes we find. In the appendix, we provide the detailed results for the indicators for which the disparities between boys and men of color are not as great.