Report Identifies Decline in Black Male HBCU Enrollment

DJ WindsorAmerican Institute for Boys and MalesTraditionally Black schools and universities (HBCUs) skilled a drastic decline in Black pupil enrollment in the course of the decade between 2010 and 2020, in line with a brand new report from the non-partisan analysis group, American Institute for Boys and Males (AIBM).

“HBCUs at a Crossroads: Addressing the Decline in Black Male Enrollment” is analyzed knowledge from the Built-in Postsecondary Schooling Information System concerning Black male enrollment at HBCUs. AIBM analysis and program analyst DJ Windsor co-authored the report with AIBM President Richard Reeves.

They uncovered knowledge revealing that HBCUs skilled an general enrollment decline of 11% from 2010, per developments seen throughout all schools and universities. Nonetheless, the decline in Black male enrollment is extra pronounced at 25% in comparison with 22% throughout all establishments.

Richard ReevesAmerican Institute for Boys and MalesWhereas Black males accounted for 38% of scholars at HBCUs in 1976, they now characterize solely 26% (which can be fewer in quantity in comparison with 1976), in line with the report. However, the regular improve in non-Black college students — now as much as 26% of HBCU enrollments — has offset Black male declines.

The report means that the decline in Black male college students is influenced by components reminiscent of insufficient Okay-12 preparation, a scarcity of Black male academics, and monetary boundaries each individually and institutionally.

“HBCUs are uniquely positioned to deal with the particular wants of Black college students, providing an atmosphere that not solely helps educational achievement but additionally promotes psychological well being, social mobility, and financial empowerment,” the authors of the report wrote, citing “The Paradox of HBCU Commencement Charges.” It signifies that, after controlling for pupil preparedness, institutional monetary well being, tutorial spending, and different institutional components, the commencement fee for Black college students at HBCUs is 10 proportion factors larger than these at non-HBCUs.

The authors advocate that addressing the problems by interventions and expanded funding might reverse the declining pattern and improve the alternatives for Black males at HBCUs.

“Focused interventions in Okay-12 schooling in Black communities, growing the illustration of Black male academics, and increasing funding alternatives for HBCUs and their potential college students might all assist improve Black male enrollment,” they stated. “Reforms in these important areas might assist HBCUs understand their full potential in supporting the academic and financial development of Black males.”