The 100 Black Men of Western Pennsylvania and Community College of Allegheny County today announced that they're teaming up to teach black students about finance and economic opportunity.

The 100 Black Men already operates a mentoring program in the Hill District for about 35 middle and high school students. The group mentoring sessions focus on education, culture, wellness and financial literacy.

Now, the group will expand participation to about 70 students and provide more information about personal finance, investing and entrepreneurship. CCAC will offer its facilities and staff for the program. The expansion is supported by The Heinz Endowments.

"This is just an opportunity for us at CCAC to do our job to make sure education is the No. 1 opportunity for these students," David Young, the college's associate dean of academic affairs, said.

The announcement occurred hours before Al Dotson, chairman of 100 Black Men of America Inc., is to participate in a live radio town hall at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture Downtown.

To be hosted by Homewood native Bev Smith, the town hall, to be broadcast locally on WGBN 1150 AM, will focus on the challenges of black men.

The event is from 7 to 10 p.m. It's free and open to the public.

Other guests will include Esther Bush, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Jordan Miles and his mother, Terez Miles, of Homewood. Mr. Miles' bloody encounter with three white undercover police officers last year has raised questions about police accountability.

At an afternoon press conference, speakers cited a connection between the mentoring initiative and the town hall meeting's focus on giving young men the experiences and skills they need for lifelong success.

First Published: June 17, 2011, 7:45 p.m.