African Americans and College Choice
African Americans and College Choice

Author: Kassie Freeman

Publisher: State University of New York Press

Published: 2012-02-01

Total Pages: 161

ISBN-13: 0791484505

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Acknowledging the disparity between the number of African American high school students who aspire toward higher education and the number who actually attend, this book uncovers factors that influence African American students' decisions regarding college. Kassie Freeman brings new insights to the current body of research on African Americans and higher education by examining the impact that family, school, community, and home have in the decision-making process. She explores specific factors that contribute to a student's predisposition toward higher education, including gender, economics, and high school curriculum, and seeks to bridge the gap in understanding why aspiration does not immediately translate into participation. Educators and policy makers interested in increasing African American students' participation in higher education will benefit from the exploration of this paradox.

Sistahs with Voices
Sistahs with Voices

Author: Angela Denise Duncan

Publisher:

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 188

ISBN-13:

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Despite a long struggle to gain access, African Americans have always highly valued education. Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) were established specifically to educate this group, but the integration of predominately White institutions (PWI) in the 1960s led to decreased HBCU enrollments and, thus, challenges to their continued relevance. The numerous options for higher education add to the complexities of college choice, especially for students who have various intersecting identities to consider (e.g., African American women). The purpose of this study was to discover what influenced eight high-achieving African American women who chose to attend a PWI instead of an HBCU. Qualitative, collective case study methods were used to conduct this study. Both student participants and a person they identified as influential were interviewed. This method allowed comparisons and contrasts to determine how various identities and cultural backgrounds affected students' college choices. Data analysis was continuous permitting connections to the literature and between participants as data collection progressed. Influences affecting the college choices of these women fell into four main categories: predisposition, university characteristics, perceptions of HBCU campus environments, and their intersecting identities. The availability of academic programs, scholarships, and the location of the institution were primary reasons given for these participants' choices to attend a PWI instead of an HBCU. Students also offered advice to other African American females making college choice decisions. Admissions officers and high school counselors must understand that while scholarships are important, they are not always the greatest influence for this group. It is also important to engage the family during the college choice process and have discussions with the students regarding moving away from home. Essentially, it is important for those working with these students to understand their unique characteristics and how they use those characteristics when making college choice decisions.

Ebony Towers in Higher Education
Ebony Towers in Higher Education

Author: Ronyelle Bertrand Ricard

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2023-07-03

Total Pages: 139

ISBN-13: 1000978869

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What is the purpose of black colleges? Why do black colleges continue to exist? Are black colleges necessary?Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are at the same time the least studied and the least understood institutions of higher education and the most maligned and the most endangered.This unique study examines the mission of four-year HBCUs from the perspective of the campus president, as a foundation for understanding the relevance and role of these institutions. This is the first research to focus on the role of presidents of black colleges; is based on extensive interviews with fifteen presidents; and takes into particular account the type of campus environments in which they operate.Unlike community colleges, women’s colleges, men’s colleges, and Hispanic-serving colleges, Black colleges are racially identifiable institutions. They also vary significantly in, among other characteristics: size, control (public or private), religious affiliation, gender composition, and available resources. Although united in the historic mission of educating African Americans, each black college or university has its own identity and set of educational objectives. The book examines how presidents define and implement mission in the context of their campuses, view the challenges they face, and confront the factors that promote or hinder implementation of their missions.

College Choice and African American Males
College Choice and African American Males

Author: W. Samino Scott (II)

Publisher:

Published: 2020

Total Pages: 167

ISBN-13:

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The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that influence the college choice decisions of African American male first-generation college students. This study employed a strength-based approach, instead of the more traditional narrative centered around values, cultural norms, and deficits. This research study utilized a single-case study design and a qualitative research methodology. The study examined the college choice influences experienced by five African American males attending a mid-sized college in the Midwest to develop a more nuanced understanding of the strengths they exhibited that allow them to successfully navigate impoverished conditions at home, in the neighborhood, and in the school. Data collected from one-on-one in-depth interviews, a brief survey, along with each participant’s high school and college academic transcripts were analyzed to highlight emerging themes associated with the research questions. In-depth interviews served as the primary source of data collection, and six questions guided the study including the following: (a) How do first-generation college students who are African American males develop and nurture their aspiration to enroll in college? (b) In what ways, do family members influence the college choice decision-making process of African American males who are first-generation college students? (c) How do peers influence the college choice decision-making process of African American males who are first-generation college students? (d) How do African American males who are first-generation experience the college search stage? (e) What factors influence the college enrollment decision of African American males? (f) How do African American males make meaning of their experience with the college choice decision-making process?