BOWIE, Md. (AP) — Federal officials are visiting Bowie State University to promote “My Brother’s Keeper,” President Barack Obama’s initiative to improve the lives of young men of color.

U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin and Rep. Steny Hoyer are hosting the event Friday at Maryland’s oldest historically black college.

Other participants include officials from the White House Domestic Policy Council, the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Citi Foundation.

The event is co-hosted by the university’s Male Initiative. That effort aims to increase male enrollment and retain more male students through mentoring and support programs.

Obama announced in July a major expansion of the initiative he launched in February. The administration announced commitments by educators, star athletes, companies and foundations to help minority boys.

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