Three HBCUs have top the Top 10 Colleges Doing Right By Kids list conducted by Kipp.org.
Kipp.org featured 10 colleges and universities which includes three HBCUs, that are leading the way in supporting first-generation and low-income college students. These institutions are large and small, public and private, urban and rural. According to Kipp.org, they all have a deep commitment to providing students with a meaningful college experience, and helping them ultimately make it to graduation day.
The three HBCUs that were highlighted were the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff for Pre-Orientation Summer Programs, Dillard University for On-Campus Support Systems and Spelman College for Graduation rates.
According to Kipp.org, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas was highlighted for Pre-Orientation Summer Programs.
For first-generation students, entering college can be a challenge transition. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers Learning Institute and Opportunities for New Students (LIONS) summer program to help incoming students adjust to college life. Participants move into a residence hall on campus over the summer. During the program, they meet fellow freshman and UAPB faculty, take English and algebra classes, attend tutoring and academic enrichment sessions, and participate in "College Knowledge" workshops and seminars. At the end of the program, they attend UAPB's general freshman orientation with a head start.
Dillard University, which is located in New Orleans, Louisiana was the second HBCU highlighted and they were highlighted by Kipp.org for On-Campus Support Systems.
For many first-generation college students, college can feel like a "sink or swim" environment. Dillard University proactively helps first-year students navigate the school's support system. All first-year academic support programs are housed under the Academic Center for Excellence, so that a student only has to go to one place to get help with everything from managing personal challenges to navigating academic struggles. Dillard also assesses incoming students' college preparedness and their individual concerns - like social-emotional issues or affordability - then alerts specific departments that a particular student may need their support. Finally, Dillard places students with similar academic interest in "learning communities," so that they are surrounded by peers who are exploring the same majors and taking the same classes.
The third HBCU which was highlighted was Spelman College located in Atlanta, Georgia for their Graduation Rates.
If a first-generation or low-income student attends a school with high graduation rates for students like them, they're far more likely to graduate themselves. Spelman College boasts a 76 percent six-year average graduation rate - that's the highest graduation rate of any Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the country. Spelman also enrolls the largest number of black female recipients of the Gates Millennium Scholarship - a program for students with financial need - of any institution in the U.S. Knowing this, college advisors can encourage students who are interested in HBCUs to consider Spelman a top choice.
Congratulations to these illustrious HBCU institutions on excelling academic excellence and making the list in being highlighted for achieving historically. Way to take your campus to the next level!