MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- There's a new initiative at Milwaukee Public Schools aiming to improve academics for black and Latino students.

The Black and Latino Male Achievement Department will address academic disparities for young men and boys of color.

Schools will implement programs and provide resources to put them on a path towards success.

"Having an office committed to their needs...making sure we're going to uplift our men and make them successful is really the most important thing we can do right now," said MPS Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver.

MPS already has similar programs for other vulnerable students including those who are learning to speak English.