Education is often seen as the great equalizer, providing individuals with the tools they need to succeed in life. However, for many BIPOC students, the promise of education is not being fully realized. Despite progress in recent years, BIPOC students continue to face significant disparities in educational outcomes, including lower graduation rates, lower college enrollment, and lower academic achievement. These disparities are often referred to as the “opportunity gap,” and they reflect the systemic barriers that BIPOC students face in accessing high-quality education. In this article, we will explore the factors contributing to the opportunity gap, as well as strategies for improving educational outcomes for BIPOC students. By addressing these disparities, we can ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.
What is the current status of affairs for BIPOC students?
A recent study by the ECMC Group of more than 1,000 students aged 14 to 18 found out that:
- 48% of BIPOC students felt that education after high school was important, compared to 52% of all high schoolers.
- Only 8% of BIPOC students felt prepared to make a decision about what to do with their lives after high school.
- Only a third of BIPOC students had been offered a program through their school to help them explore career paths after they graduated.
Many students were uncertain as to whether or not a four-year degree or vocational school would be appropriate for them, about overall cost burden, and the opportunities that were available for them.
Access to higher education is a complex issue that disproportionately affects BIPOC students, low-income students, and first-generation students. These students face unique challenges that can impact their decision to pursue postsecondary education. For example, low-income students may be least likely to consider four-year degrees and feel more strongly about postsecondary education requiring less time to complete. Meanwhile, first-generation students are more worried about costs outside of tuition and are most concerned about how they will pay for education. These students are also most likely to have started career exploration in high school and to believe that the government has a role in funding education.
Additionally, BIPOC students have the lowest understanding of the income/cost tradeoff of pursuing a career over pursuing education immediately after high school. These disparities reflect the systemic barriers that these students face in accessing higher education and highlight the need for targeted support to address these challenges and improve educational opportunities for all students.
What resources are available to help BIPOC students chart a career path?
There are some organizations that have programs and resources for BIPOC high school students to chart a career path. These organizations include:
- Black College Expo: Black College Expo is an organization that hosts college fairs and provides resources for Black students to explore college options, including HBCUs.
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund: The Thurgood Marshall College Fund is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships, internships, and career preparation resources for students attending HBCUs.
- United Negro College Fund: The United Negro College Fund is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships and resources to support students attending HBCUs.
- The Jackie Robinson Foundation: The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides scholarships and support services for Black students pursuing higher education and professional careers.
- The National Society of Black Engineers: The National Society of Black Engineers has a Pre-College Initiative program that provides resources and support for Black students to explore careers in STEM fields and prepare for college.
During the Pandemic, the Build Back Better program helped plant the seed for many first-time generational BIPOC students. The BBB program increased the amount of Pell Grants by $550. More than 75% of HBCU students rely on Pell grants to help pay for their education.
What are some good career options that are available to BIPOC high school students?
Many career opportunities exist for BIPOC students who are graduating high school and entering a four-year college. These include:
- Healthcare: Healthcare is a rapidly growing industry, and there is a high demand for skilled workers in many different positions, including nursing, medical assisting, and healthcare administration.
- Technology: The technology industry is another rapidly growing field that offers many opportunities for advancement and high-paying jobs. Some of the most in-demand positions include software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity specialists.
- Business: Business is a broad field that includes many different career paths, from marketing and sales to finance and accounting. Many companies value diversity and seek out candidates with a range of perspectives and experiences.
- Education: Education is a field where BIPOC students can make a significant impact, both as teachers and administrators. There is a growing need for educators who can bring cultural competence and an understanding of diversity to the classroom.
- Law and Criminal Justice: BIPOC students interested in law and criminal justice can pursue careers as lawyers, judges, law enforcement officers, and other positions within the justice system.
Looking towards the future for BIPOC students
Addressing the opportunity gap and improving educational outcomes for BIPOC students is a multifaceted challenge that demands our collective effort. Many organizations are creating opportunities for BIPOC high school students while more resources are becoming available through things such as increased Pell grant funding. As the country continues to work towards closing the opportunity gap, America must recognize that the future success of our diverse communities hinges upon our commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and enriching environment for all students.
