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Challenges Facing Black College Enrollment and the Role of HBCUs

In the last ten years, the enrollment rates for Black students in colleges and universities have seen a troubling decline, with a drop of 22% recorded between 2010 and 2020. This trend is expected to persist following the recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to eliminate race as a factor in college admissions. However, history reminds us that overcoming challenges for equitable opportunities is not unprecedented. The pursuit of justice and equality is often non-linear, and now is a crucial time for leaders who champion diversity in higher education and corporate environments to take decisive action rather than merely offering words of support.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) represent a vital asset in reversing the declining trend in Black enrollment. Established with the mission of providing educational access to Black students, HBCUs continue to serve this critical function today. Although they account for only 3% of all four-year institutions, they play a significant role in graduation rates, producing 17% of all bachelor’s degrees earned by Black students and an impressive 24% in STEM fields. Notably, HBCUs enroll more than twice the number of Pell Grant-eligible students compared to their non-HBCU counterparts.

In addition, these institutions charge tuition rates nearly 30% lower than similar non-HBCUs, making them an excellent return on investment for post-secondary education. However, HBCUs have long faced funding challenges, a situation exacerbated by a recent analysis from the U.S. Department of Education revealing that 16 states have collectively underfunded these colleges by over $12 billion. This financial shortfall poses further hurdles for HBCUs in supporting their students and maintaining quality education.

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest advocate for the Black college community, having awarded upwards of $500 million in scholarships and leadership development initiatives aimed at HBCU students. A notable initiative includes a partnership between TMCF and Wells Fargo which provides scholarships to exceptional students at 53 publicly supported HBCUs and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs).

Nonetheless, these efforts alone are insufficient to tackle the substantial challenges faced by HBCUs. A federal report underscored the difficulties HBCUs encounter in securing necessary funding for maintaining and improving campus facilities, which could threaten their long-term viability. A survey reported that 70 out of 79 HBCUs indicated about 46% of their facilities required repairs or complete overhaul, with some institutions citing that over 75% of their infrastructure was in need of significant attention.

It is imperative for both state and federal officials to ensure that HBCUs receive the support needed to upgrade institutional facilities, enhance broadband access, and provide the latest technological resources. A major step forward came in September with a historic $124 million investment from Blue Meridian Partners into the HBCU Transformation Project, an initiative collaborating with the United Negro College Fund and Partnership for Education Advancement aimed at strengthening HBCU infrastructure. Additionally, the introduction of the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act in 2021 marked a critical effort to address funding disparities, albeit it remains to be reintroduced in the current legislative session.

Affordability remains a key factor in supporting students at HBCUs, many of whom come from lower-income backgrounds. Congress is urged to increase the maximum Pell Grant award, which serves as a critical financial resource for nearly seven million low- and middle-income students, including the majority of HBCU attendees.

Reflecting on the wisdom of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, who noted that success is often aided by the support of others, it is now more important than ever to assist the next generation of Black leaders in their educational journeys. By investing in HBCUs, we not only honor the legacy of those who paved the way but also contribute positively to the future of countless students striving to achieve their dreams.

Source
www.higheredjobs.com