The NYC Men Teach program aims to support men of color becoming public school teachers.

According to the program, while male students of color make up 43 percent of public school classrooms, just over 8 percent of teachers are black, Asian or Latino.

The program, which is part of the city's Young Men's Initiative, has the goal of putting 1,000 men on course to become public school teachers over a three-year period. It would be done through mentorship, support groups and informational sessions.

One of the mentors says it's important to support future educators so they can in turn support their prospective students.