For many African Americans, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are the foundation of higher education. They provided equal access to a high-quality education for countless African Americans. As diversity gains momentum and economic pressures continue to mount, the need for these specialized institutions is in question. Their relevance is doubted with concerns about their present purpose, costs, and vitality in modern America. Are HBCUs as relevant today as they were in the 19th and 20th centuries or have they outlived their initial purpose? HBCUs are still a vital component of American Society because they give African Americans, who were banned from attending traditional colleges and universities, universal access to higher
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The debate is not new, but it continues to be discussed. HBCUs are still relevant today as they were in the past because they create more inclusive environment for African Americans to become more aware of their own culture, provide quality education opportunities and several opportunities for scholarship as well as lower tuition rates.
According to Jones (2013), most HBCUs have a slightly different mission from that of non-HBCUs. For those applying to Harvard’s undergraduate program, the prospective candidate needs to have met their exceptionally high Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores, Grade Point Average (GPA), and have a top-notch resume. At Spelman, Morehouse, and other elite HBCUs, the candidate does not need a high SAT scores or GPA requirement. These universities adopted a more comprehensive mission in which they examine the candidate’s future potentials and view each candidate individually as a whole. This unique aspect of the HBCU identity will be compromised deviate from their mission by using standards established by elite non-HBCU institutions, to the point where they lose their identities as …show more content…
According Bracey (2017), it is suggested that HBCUs are outdated and students might not be successful because they are not adequately prepared for the real world. However, HBCUs continue to play a historical role in providing equal educational opportunity for students (Bracey, 2017). Today, there are over 101 HBCUs, with more than 228,000 students enrolled in them (Bracey, 2017). Fifty-six institutions are private institutions, while fifty-one are public colleges and universities (Bracey, 2017). Many HBCUs have lowered tuition and other associated fees compared to predominantly white institutions. Most HBCUs offer financial assistance to qualified student based on their experience in identifying and involving appropriate sources of financial support for deserving students. The strong commitment established to serve and meet students needs resulted in increased rates of enrolled graduates (Bracey, 2017). According to Gasman & Nguyen, (2014), “one thing remains fundamental and common, HBCUs know their students, which includes having a clear understanding of where their students are coming from, how their family background and history contribute to and affect their college experience—both socially and academically—and what they need to succeed in college” (Page #). They have experience in working with minority
The debate is not new, but it continues to be discussed. HBCUs are still relevant today as they were in the past because they create more inclusive environment for African Americans to become more aware of their own culture, provide quality education opportunities and several opportunities for scholarship as well as lower tuition rates.
According to Jones (2013), most HBCUs have a slightly different mission from that of non-HBCUs. For those applying to Harvard’s undergraduate program, the prospective candidate needs to have met their exceptionally high Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores, Grade Point Average (GPA), and have a top-notch resume. At Spelman, Morehouse, and other elite HBCUs, the candidate does not need a high SAT scores or GPA requirement. These universities adopted a more comprehensive mission in which they examine the candidate’s future potentials and view each candidate individually as a whole. This unique aspect of the HBCU identity will be compromised deviate from their mission by using standards established by elite non-HBCU institutions, to the point where they lose their identities as …show more content…
According Bracey (2017), it is suggested that HBCUs are outdated and students might not be successful because they are not adequately prepared for the real world. However, HBCUs continue to play a historical role in providing equal educational opportunity for students (Bracey, 2017). Today, there are over 101 HBCUs, with more than 228,000 students enrolled in them (Bracey, 2017). Fifty-six institutions are private institutions, while fifty-one are public colleges and universities (Bracey, 2017). Many HBCUs have lowered tuition and other associated fees compared to predominantly white institutions. Most HBCUs offer financial assistance to qualified student based on their experience in identifying and involving appropriate sources of financial support for deserving students. The strong commitment established to serve and meet students needs resulted in increased rates of enrolled graduates (Bracey, 2017). According to Gasman & Nguyen, (2014), “one thing remains fundamental and common, HBCUs know their students, which includes having a clear understanding of where their students are coming from, how their family background and history contribute to and affect their college experience—both socially and academically—and what they need to succeed in college” (Page #). They have experience in working with minority