Are HBCUs still relevant?

I was talking to a good friend of mine and we were conversing about some of society issues and we sort of stumbled on this topic-  what is the relevance of HBCUs. He mentioned conversations he had with non-blacks and was baffled at how they did not understand the purpose of HBCUs then or now. This made me think because I understood the reasoning for having HBCUs 30 or 40 years ago, it made perfectly good sense, but today I'm scratching my head pondering- Are HBCUs still today relevant?  History teaches us the intial reason for establishing HBCUs was to give opportunities to those blacks who were barred from predomintantely white instutions due to their race an equal chance to an education. Successfully, HBCUs have done exactly that. According to the U.S. Department of Education Civil Rights office, HBCUs accounted for more than  80% of blacks with degrees in medicine and denistry, 75% of blacks with  PhDs., 80 % of blacks holding federal judgeships positions, and 50 % of black faculty members teaching at traditionally white insitutions. But what about today? Now we live in this Post Civil Rights era where education is more accessible now than ever. Today obtaining an education is very possible at any higher learning instution-even at America's top illustrious ivy league universities. So what's the primitive reason today for keeping HBCUs around if the intial reason does not exist any longer? I am a product of an HBCU-Hampton University to be exact and I even ask myself that question because hypothetically speaking I could have easily chosen a predominately white instution over an HBCU and recieved the exact same type of education if not a better one at that predominately white instution. However, I chose an HBCU because I knew very little about HBCUs and I thought it would be a unique experience. My education at Hampton will always be this intangible experience that I couldn't get anywhere else beside an HBCU, but that's my reasoning for attending an HBCU.  Now if you think about it today more than ever, HBCU are now competiting to recruit their own majority- blacks and minorities because predominately white institutions are in need to diversify their schools. As a matter fact white instutions are now almost depserately reaching out to minorities offering competitive financial aid packages-even full ride scholarships, along with state of the art facilities, and technology and resources for its students compared to none. According to a recent economic news report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the perecentage rate of blacks attending college increased to 68.7 % from the 68.6 % attending college last year. The marginal growth is good news, but the number of blacks attending HBCUs declined. According to the South Regional Education Board, the number of blacks attending HBCUs dropped 7%. Doesn't that seem like the choice of attending a predomintately school for minorities like HBCUs is becoming more of a thing in the past for blacks and minorities and doesn't have the impact on the African American/minority community it once had?  How do you feel that more blacks/minorities are choosing to go to school, but bypassing an HBCU as an option?  On Feburary 26, 2010 President Obama signed an exceutive order renewing the White House Initiative on HBCUs.  As African Americans and or minorities are we suppose to see and cherish HBCUs as a source of accomplishment and great pride for the African American Community as well as the entire nation? Please share your thoughts...Are HBCUs still relevant?

Tax Credit for College Students

With the sky rocketing tution at American colleges, any help to offset the costly price to attend college is great for any parent or student. Did you know that if you're attending college right now or plan to attend to college that you may be eligible for a $2,500 tax credit.The American Opportunity Tax Credit gives parents and students $2,500 each year to students attending college. To check if you and/or your parents qualify check out: American Opportunity Tax Credit. Now this tax credit in place is soon to expire unless Congress pass legislation to keep the tax credit. If you want this tax credit to be around while you're attending school, make sure you vote for your congress person who supports the American Opportunity Tax Credit. If you don't know if they support the American Opportunity Tax Credit, then check out your congress person website, or call their office. Remember its education funding for us-the students to attend school. Speak Up and Speak Out.

FREE SAT PREP

Hey Everyone!!!

 For any high schooler who's trying to prep for the SAT to get into college-It's little more simpler and more affordable than you think. Jason Shah, a Havard University student, created this free online SAT prep site for students-perferrably those who can't afford the SAT prep books and courses. I strongly urge everyone who has a brother, sister, and/ or cousin in high school to tell them to sign up at www.INeedAPencil.com/. This is a wonderful opportunity for those who didn't think they would have a chance at college. People it doesn't get better than this!