Attend an historically black college or university.
Historically black colleges and universities, also referred to as HBCUs, are responsible for educating over half of the African American professionals in the United States. According to the Campus Explorer website, an HBCU is "any institution that was founded before 1964 with the purpose of educating mostly African American students." HBCUs comprise 3 percent of the nation's higher learning institutions and annually enroll approximately 370,000 students.
Sense of Community
Students who attend an HBCU come together with similar cultural experiences to form a community. This community consists of black people from a multitude of countries around the globe who are seeking higher education and to learn from each other's backgrounds. Joining a fraternity or sorority, provides the student with a sense of belonging to a brotherhood or sisterhood that makes a positive impact in the wider community. Beyond graduation, these bonds of brother and sisterhood are still tight and aid the student in locating jobs and thriving in chosen careers by creating a sense of belonging.
Rich Heritage
Historically black colleges and universities share a rich heritage formed from the first slave ship that docked on the shores and beyond. The struggles of ancestors have made it possible generations later to attend college and flourish as professionals. Leaders like Marcus Garvey, Dr. Martin Luther King and W.E.B. DuBois among countless others, dedicated their lives to improve the futures of fellow African Americans. Many students and families feel a sense of loyalty to these "trailblazers" and want to continue to fight for the rights of others. Attending an HBCU instills a sense of pride.
Supportive Atmosphere
Mentors surround the students who attend HBCUs, determined to see them succeed, from the first time they step onto the campus. Within the classroom, professors form bonds with students and track student progress through graduation. The primary focus is graduation and professional success in the chosen major afterwards. Alumni of HBCUs also take an interest in students' studies and a majority of times, assist the student by becoming a resume reference or by hiring the student for employment..
Rigorous Academics
HBCUs nurture students to become educated leaders and citizens who make a difference in the lives of others. Students must maintain a high standard of academic excellence where failure is not an option. Many classes at the HBCU campuses are smaller and cater to providing individual attention to support the needs of students. HBCUs recognize that making the transition into college can be difficult socially and academically. For many students, this is the first time they have been away from the supportive family unit. HBCUs become a students' family away from home and offer students help where needed. Someone is always available to make academics less of a challenge for the student.
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