Princesslanae

To do list: find 2-3 articles for each subtopic (there ar three subtopics) proper citation find pictures read and discuss info found for subtopics

to do list

I have added you to a post about the to do list on my talk page. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 130.166.148.134 (talk) 02:43, 3 December 2012 (UTC)

Black Women and Graduation

Black Women have come a very long way, but still have many obstacles facing college graduation. In 1971, 61% of black students were first generation college students that percentage declined to 22% by 2005. Most black women do not have a lineage of college graduates. A lot of black students have had inadequate K-12 preparation to set the foundation for college. Black women have especially had a small presence in the sciences and mathematics. Financial aid and increasing tuition has had a great effect on black women student. A high percentage of black student graduation is a good indicator of institutional success in racial integration of a given campus. But a lower graduation rate can be a positive indicator of a college or university’s willingness also to take a chance on academically dedicated young black students with substandard academic credentials.

Black women have a higher percentage of graduation rates then black men. In 2006 black men’s graduation rates were at 36% and black womens’ graduation rates were at 47%. Almost half of all black women that attend college will reach graduation. Some universities have high percentage of black graduates because they cater specifically to black student retention and graduation rates. Universities do this my implementing programs that help black students adapt to white dominated institutions, such as mentoring programs. Also establishing strong black student organizations that promote a sense of self identity in correlation with the college experience. If these programs are not implemented in school it can have a great effect of graduation rates of black students.<

The focus of college graduation and retention has been very important to universities and colleges. Vincent Tintoe (1993) theory of Retention states that students are more likely to graduate college when they feel that they belong. This retention theory suggests that establishing a sense of belonging for students is created by having a connection with faculty, clubs and organizations and peers. This improves a student’s likelihood to graduate because they are more connected to the campus, the experience is more enjoyable and they have a support system within the University.

Black women existing in white dominated institutions struggle to adapt to the learning styles and overall culture. They struggle with ignorance and prejudice in these white dominated institutions. This affects the experience that they have and their sense of belonging at a university. Tintoe’s theory of Retention has been a very vital method to Black women reaching graduation. Universities know that if they want to improve the graduation rates of black women they have to cater to black retention. Black Women that reach graduation establish a support system of fellow black women both faculty and peers and participate in activities both leisure and educational that are catered to and/or embrace black women. Black women can connect with each other to release stress, fears, struggles, strengths, and ambition that reinforce African American kinship ties that originate from our African values . Black women are confronted with adversities and obstacles on an everyday basis. Historically they have been considered second class citizens whose lives amount to welfare mothers, mammies, jezebels, or sapphires. In order to empower and encourage black women to reach the finish line of graduation they must feel that they belong, that they have support, and that graduation will reap benefits on their lives creating greater purpose and potential for themselves.

Student Retention and Graduation: Facing the Truth, Living with the Consequences. Occasional Paper No. 1. Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education. Washington, D.C.. 2004 http://etorpy.com/Tinto.htm http://www.heri.ucla.edu/pdfs/pubs/briefs/firstgenresearchbrief.pdf http://www.jbhe.com/preview/winter07preview.html

History of black women in college

Slavery segregation/civil rights black women colleges

External

Collins. P. (1999) Black Feminist Thought