A Lehman College program is aiming to bring more male teachers of color to New York City public school classrooms.

The mayor's office created New York City Men Teach in 2015.

When the program began, 8.4 percent of educators employed by the Department of Education were of color. That number has since increased by 10 percent. Program director Fatima Sherif says it's a benefit to the 43 percent of male students of color enrolled in public school.

In celebration of the accomplishment, a few educators were honored by their peers Friday and shared their experiences. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. served as the event's keynote speaker.

NYC Men Teach has helped educators become successful with support, connections and tools to succeed in the classroom.