Black students deal with systemic racism on a daily basis. In fact, the deeply mystified college admission process currently prevents many African-American students from confidently pursuing higher education. At ScholarPrep Nation, we believe that an Afrocentric approach to this topic could be beneficial.
Dr. Asa Hilliard III, one of the world’s greatest Black scholars of all time, once said that educational structures were put into place as a way of perpetuating European superiority and African inferiority.
Consequently, the achievement gap between Black and white students remains an issue worth discussing. The school dropout rates are also high among Black students. This is a direct consequence of the lack of engagement in schools. Furthermore, this is the result of centuries of oppression and discrimination that need to be acknowledged and addressed.
In today’s article, let’s find out how we can make the college admission process engaging and inclusive for all, regardless of racial or ethnic group. Read on!
Why Is the College Application Process Difficult for Black Students?
Academic achievement and graduation rates can potentially experience a dramatic increase in the following years. First, we need to speak the kids’ language. Most African-American students come from low-income households and lack any family members who benefitted from higher education.
The father of Critical Race Theory (CRT), professor and attorney Derrick Bell, was notoriously skeptical in regard to the concept of racial equality. Most institutions in America, including schools, universities, and colleges continue to perpetuate systemic racism to this day.
The tools and resources needed by future college students of color must be leveraged throughout their high school years, starting as early as eighth grade. That way, they will have plenty of time to stay focused on their academic end goals.
Many school leaders and high school counselors fail to incorporate valuable teachings about the African way of living and learning. In addition, the uninspired curriculum does not celebrate the traditions of our African forebears.
The history of our people remains shrouded in mystery as the race conversation continues to be muted in several classrooms. Since the teachers are not ready to address the inequity and racism, these core issues will continue to affect our children and their futures.
The disconnect and lack of engagement among African-American students and their families result in low standardized test scores and graduation rates, alongside an increase in the undergraduate population as a whole. This is the real reason why kids have a hard time filling out their college applications.
Higher Education and Race: The Afrocentric Perspective No One Considers
The constant bias and discrimination that most ethnic groups encounter act as stumbling blocks on the way to academic success. Thanks to the Black Lives Matter movement, Afrocentric ideology finally managed to make its way into the fabric of society, particularly education.
Due to this, Black students and their families are now more and more interested in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). With a culturally affirming perspective on the experiences and common values of those of African descent, HBCUs have the potential to make Black students feel like they are part of the majority.
In order for our youth to get enrolled into historically Black colleges and universities, they’re going to need plenty of help and assistance throughout their high school years. It’s certainly not easy for first-gen students to go through each step of the college application process all by themselves. Similarly, securing a full scholarship for African-American students can be intimidating without some help.
Future college students need the Afrocentric approach that only experts are capable of sharing with their families. The more Black students enroll in prestigious colleges and universities, the better for the entire African-American community.
Future College Students, Meet ScholarPrep Nation!
Applying for college, as well as securing a scholarship for African-American students, can dictate the course of one’s life. Every single Black student deserves an Afrocentric support group. For this reason, we’ve created ScholarPrep Nation.
Our culturally empowering and holistic college access program is unlike any other. Here is what makes ScholarPrep Nation different from all other college access initiatives:
We Address College Debt
Student debt is currently at an all-time high in our country. With ScholarPrep Nation, it is our mission to reduce and eliminate debt while teaching children and families all about financial literacy.
We Offer Hands-On Assistance
Our online and nationwide community is active 24/7, which connects children and their parents with experts who are ready to advise you. Being paired with a coach, also known as a ScholarPrep Navigator, will enable the kids to do a personalized scholarship search.
We Take Academic Achievement Seriously
From ACT/SAT tutoring to college essay writing, ScholarPrep Nation values academic mentorship. Certified educational consultants will assist the kids every step of the way and hold them accountable via monthly webinars and accountability meetings.
ScholarPrep Nation: Your #1 Afrocentric College Access Program!
It is ScholarPrep Nation’s mission to create a solid, nationwide network of young scholars of color who are ready to conquer the world.
Join us! We invite you to contact us now and tell us more about what your current needs are. Are you a parent, a student, a school leader, or a high school counselor? Let’s talk! We look forward to hearing from you.
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