Because the college admission process is so mystified, the majority of Black youth are genuinely confused about which academic path to take. In fact, Black children face an increased risk of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. The suicide risk is also alarming. Could this be linked to the systemic racism and lack of direction after high school?
ScholarPrep Nation, one of the most unique and effective Afrocentric college access programs in our nation, is here to take an objective look at the cultural and structural factors that keep young Black people from even considering college success.
In this article, we’ll do our best to answer the most asked questions that Black youth and their families might have in regard to higher education. Furthermore, we’ll come up with possible solutions. Read on!
Question #1: Is It Necessary for Black Youth to Go to College?
Well, it depends on what your vision of the future looks like. Do you want to pursue sports, arts, or have your own business? Perhaps your family owns a business? The possibilities are varied.
Before the kids make a decision, make sure that they are aware of the basic facts. Did you know that people with a bachelor’s degree earn 66% more than high school graduates? This financial aspect might not mean much to Black youth, especially while they’re still in high school.
Higher-paying jobs will always prioritize job candidates with college education. In fact, 91% of jobs go to those who at least own a bachelor’s degree. That is because they have better soft skills, are used to working under pressure, and love teamwork.
Question #2: Isn’t the College Application Process Complicated?
If you’re a first-generation college student of color, absolutely. At ScholarPrep Nation, we always acknowledge the difficulty of preparing for college. Racial discrimination also plays a huge factor. That is because high school is already tough on the mental health of Black children.
Adolescent psychiatry recognizes that there is a very well-researched link between Black mental health and racism. This undeniable reality prevents Black youth from tackling the college admission process smoothly. Family engagement, Critical Race Theory (CRT), and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) should help.
We must start to prioritize family engagement, demystify the college admission process by leveraging tools and resources, and contribute to the Afrocentric knowledge of our kids. Black communities deserve all the help they can get. Academic achievement and college success are at stake here.
Here are the must-haves for a successful college application:
- College essay
- Extracurricular activities
- Community involvement
- Leadership experience
- Awards and honors
- Work experience
- Resume
- Recommendation letters
The families’ contribution can help streamline all college application efforts. Also, sharing the appropriate tools and resources, such as the Common App, can encourage both students and their families to perceive college success as something entirely achievable. Afrocentrism, on the other hand, is vital for the harmonious growth of any child of color.
Question #3: Isn’t the Scholarship Application Process Difficult?
Yes, it can be quite difficult, especially when there is no guidance. The Black community is still being kept in the dark in regard to countless details that could make or break both the college and scholarship application processes.
Because there is a considerable lack of information, it’s vital that high school counselors and college access programs provide correct and up-to-date information. From HBCUs to prestigious colleges, scholarships for Black students are readily available, if only one knows where to look.
Scholarships are a fantastic way to cut back on college expenses and not get into student debt. Both the college and scholarship application processes require preparation. Ideally, students should start planning as early as eighth grade.
Question #4: Can a College Access Program Ensure College Success?
Absolutely. However, if we want to witness better academic achievement among Black youth, we’re going to need a fine selection of culturally affirming college access programs to choose from.
ScholarPrep Nation is the program you’ve been looking for. Founded by Pastor George M. Gaskins Jr. of Bethel Baptist Church in Union City, California and Mahea Gaskins, this culturally affirming and deeply Afrocentric college access program is ideal for Black youth.
Our ScholarPrep experts will guide kids and their family every step of the way, from high school to college, and beyond.
Here’s what ScholarPrep Nation provides Black youth with:
- Unlimited access to an online, nationwide network
- On-demand academic mentorship
- Expert advice from certified educational consultants
- Personalized scholarship search & college essay writing
- Being paired with a ScholarPrep Navigator (coach)
- Completion of a personality assessment
- ACT/SAT prep & tutoring
- Monthly webinars
- Accountability Meetings
- …and much more!
Join ScholarPrep Nation’s Fight for Educational Equity!
Having a college education is not a privilege, it’s a right. Unfortunately, the college and scholarship application processes continue to confuse both kids and their families. Our college access program is here to demystify both processes and empower kids with vital Afrocentric knowledge.
Contact us now and find out more about the ScholarPrep Nation experience!
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