Why aren't there more high school programs centered around promoting Historically Black Colleges and Universities?
Growing up I had no idea about the labels "Predominantly White Institutions(PWIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities". My first time being exposed to HBCU's was in a somewhat negative light. These institutions provide quality programs and diversities just like any other institution but High schools lack information on these programs unless a professional staff member has had the pleasure to attend one and pass their experience on to the students. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has one of the top engineering programs in the country, Howard University has an esteemed medical school, and North Carolina Central University has a prestigious law school, but there are a lot of students that are unaware of these opportunities because they are not encouraged to expand their research.
#spreadtheword #equality #human-rights #HBCUs #college-admissions #college
3 answers
Candice Robinson, BS, NCPT-4
Candice’s Answer
HBCU's were established prior to 1964 and rose from the segregation of schools. During school segregation in the US, students were separated based on their ethnicity or more simply the color of their skin. The Supreme Court actually abolished educational segregation in 1954 as part of the Civil Rights Movement, but it was around 1967 before desegregation officially took place.
The group of HBCU's in the United States are referred to as The Hundred Seven. 3 of the schools are now closed, so there are only 104 schools active. Alabama has the highest number of HBCU's in the country, followed closely by North Carolina. NC is also home to the mentioned NC A&T State University which is the largest HBCU by enrollment numbers. Howard University in Washington, DC and Spelman College, a women's college in Atlanta, GA often fight for the title of the #1 HBCU in the country. They gain these designations due to Howard's leadership in the areas of research and STEM. Spelman is renowned for producing prize winning female graduates in the area of fine arts.
There are actually a few organizations that I will mention below that assist in informing students about the potential opportunities available through Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
1. The HBCU Pathways Program
"The HBCU Pathways Program was created to afford Black high school students an opportunity to learn more about post-secondary educational choices, prepare for college transition, and explore career options. Includes a 12-month curriculum that covers scholarship success, professional skills building, and in-depth information about career paths, including interviews with Black professionals across industries and disciplines."
https://hbcupathways.com/about-the-hbcu-pathways-program/
2. The HBCU Exploratory Program with HBCU First
"The HBCU Exploratory Program helps college-bound Black youth navigate college and career options. HBCU students lead choice-focused talks and workshops addressing self-discovery, college & career choice, and the HBCU opportunity."
https://hbcufirst.com/programs/hbcu-exploratory-program
3. The R.E.A.L. HBCU College Tour
A 501-C nonprofit organization that "conducts college tours every Spring and Fall for 9th, 10th, and 11th graders who have an interest in attending a college or university in their future. Exists to expose the youth to higher learning opportunities and experiences at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and provide a greater understanding of the legacy of these universities."
https://realhbcucollegetour.org/
4. Stepping In The Right Direction
"Historically Black College & University Tour program that provides a source of self-reliance and self-development for many students. This educational endeavor introduces High School students to college campus life and provides them with firsthand curriculum information, entrance requirements, financial aid and scholarship resources by offering students the opportunity to speak directly with college admission officials."
http://steppingintherightdirection.com/
5. The HBCU Kid
"A vehicle for educating prospective and current students, alumni, family, and friends about the challenges, opportunities, and achievements surrounding Historically Black Colleges and Universities. By focusing on early adolescents, hopes to cultivate the next generation of HBCU leaders."
https://thehbcukid.com/
6. HBCUCONNECT.COM
"The largest network of students and alumni from Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs)."
https://hbcuconnect.com/
Jeremy’s Answer
Anchalee’s Answer
Hi Alexis! I AM AN HBCU alumni and so proud if it but I had no clue what an HBCU was until I actually was a student at one.
I agree that there should be more promotion around HBCUs. Attending one is a truly invaluable experience. I do know that HBCUs were a little behind the curve as it relates to recruitment so where you would often see your popular PWIs at college fairs, HBCUs weren't represented.
There are quite a few non profit organizations that offer HBCU college tours for high school seniors to have exposure into their options. I would say that you should see more of the HBCUs are they have created more positions and larger budgets for recruitment and advertising. Their programs have become better and you'll see targeted recruitment...for example, I attended Fayetteville State University and our nursing program has phenomenal nurse exam passing rates compared to other schools in the state.
Great point in recognizing this need. I'd recommend talking to your school administration to ensure they reach out to HBCUs near you for representation in the future.