Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played a key role in Black American culture, producing prominent graduates like Kamala Harris, Chadwick Boseman, and Martin Luther King Jr. Despite challenges, HBCUs continue to be a significant part of the Black academic experience. However, recent data shows a worrying trend: a decline in enrollment among Black males. According to the American Institute for Boys and Men, HBCUs have experienced an 11% drop in enrollment since 2010, with Black male students declining by 25%. This trend is particularly concerning as Black males make up a large part of the HBCU student population.
Institutions like Howard University have seen gains in overall student enrollment, but male students make up only a small fraction of that growth, according to the report. The current decline in Black male students at HBCUs is the lowest since 1976. This decrease may be influenced by a "belief gap" in the K-12 system, where non-Black teachers are found to have lower expectations for Black students, according to the study. This can cause young Black men to disengage from the educational system, further discouraging their pursuit of higher education.
However, not all HBCUs are experiencing this trend. Morehouse College, the only all-male HBCU, has seen an increase in Black male enrollment. Morehouse admission advisor Jacory Bernard notes that many young Black men are drawn to the opportunity to "be the majority" for four years.
In response to declining numbers, some HBCUs are actively recruiting more Black male students, addressing affordability issues, and forming partnerships with businesses. These efforts aim to counter the trend and continue the legacy of cultivating successful Black men. HBCU graduates, according to the UNCF, can earn 56% more than they would without a degree, highlighting the long-term benefits of attending these institutions.
Link: AfroTech
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