Timanie S Mills
Historically Black Colleges and Universities were made to provide undergraduate and graduate levels of educational opportunities to people of African descent. African Americans, we not provided with the same educational opportunities as everyone else. At first, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) were not on the same stepping stool as the Private White Institutions (PWI). Now in the 21st century, HBCUs are considered one of the top choices for students all over the country.
Whether it may be Spelman, Clark Atlanta, Howard, or Morehouse, students all over the country are very enthusiastic to go to a school with such excellence. HBCUs meet a variety of needs and interests, no matter what kind of college experience you’re looking for. HBCUs got their start in the early 19th century due to academic segregation. Today, the schools serve students from wide-ranging cultural backgrounds in a racially diverse academic setting. On August 8th, 1980 President Jimmy Carter was the first to sign an executive order that directed the secretary of education to “implement a federal initiative designed to achieve a significant increase in participation by HBCUs.”, This order specifically started the White House
Initiative on HBCUs, which now is one of the biggest programs for HBCUs in the country. On September 15th ,1981 President Reagan reestablished and expanded the program providing more opportunities and funding for African American students that attend HBCUs. Today, the White House Initiative Program has become a dream for students attending these schools to be apart of. “HBCUs have a proud legacy of creating doors of opportunity where none previously existed and providing students of color with an education grounded in affirmation, inclusion, and excellence,” said U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona. The White House Initiative conference is designed to provide practical solutions to barriers HBCUs face while seeking opportunities to contribute to the challenges and possibilities in America. During the conference, the HBCU community will engage with key leaders.
Students all over are eager to pursue their higher education at HBCUs; they are attracted to the opportunities and types of networking that they can receive at these schools. Students are also inspired by the famous alumni that had attended these schools; People like Sean “Diddy” Combs, Kamala Harris, Terrence J, DJ Envy and so much more!
The cost of HBCUs is also a very well-known reason of why students are choosing this path for success. According to UNCF “HBCU tuition rates are on average almost 30% less than at comparable institutions — that’s why they’re often referred to as the best buy in education.” Most of the time parents and students are more concerned than ever about the cost of attending college, HBCUs deliver higher returns at a lower cost. Providing an education that is at lower cost, but will get in the same position or even higher than someone who went to school at a higher cost will definitely attract more students and the want of parents for their own children to go to these schools.
The classes and extracurricular activities at HBCUs are unmatched. African Americans have a destined type of culture that you would definility not find anywhere. Students often find that the courses offered at an HBCU give them a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore Black culture, African American history, and the Black experience in the past and present. According to College Express, “These opportunities help Black students feel seen and valued while also providing non- Black students a better understanding of Black history to help everyone work toward a better world that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.”, To be around people who motivate you, uplift you, want to see you excel is a great environment.
Overall, the uprising of HBCUs has been one no one saw coming. African American success is taking over, watching students prevail and succeed in ways that were not offered to African Americans one hundred years ago.
Share this:
This content was originally published here.
