Since their establishment 182 years ago, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have provided African American students with the best avenue, and, for some, the only path to a college degree. Despite this, arguments for and against the existence of HBCUs have been debated since the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Education
The Answer Lies Within STEM
David L. Steward
Chairman & Founder
World Wide Technology, Inc.
We all know the problems all too well for this nation—and especially for Black America.
We are all subject to the globalization that has advanced at a very rapid pace over the past two decades. This has occurred primarily due to technological advancement, which has driven immense global economic growth. In an equal world, this would not be a problem; it would actually be fantastic news. In fact, it is fantastic news for those individuals and nations who are well-positioned to take advantage of that economic prosperity.
To take full advantage of this economic boom, both nations and individuals must be equipped with the knowledge, education, skills, experience and creativity to leverage the opportunities that exist today and in the future. Therein lies the problem for many U.S. citizens—especially Black Americans.
Who Runs The World? Urban Girls!
Jil Littlejon
President & Chief Executive Officer, Urban League of the Upstate, Inc.
Twitter: @JilLittlejohn
Do Black girls rock? Yes, they do. Do Black girls in the Upstate face systemic barriers that keep their talent from shining through? Yes, they do.
No More Hidden Figures: Encouraging Girls to Embrace STEM
Phyllis Y. Nichols
President & Chief Executive Officer, Knoxville Area Urban League
Twitter: @pynichols
Nearly every national data report indicates that women and students of color remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The Knoxville Area Urban League believes changing that trajectory is a shared responsibility. In that vein, we partnered with Youth Outreach in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (Yo-STEM), a program dedicated to exposing students from underserved communities to the growing world of STEM.
Creating an Education Oasis in a Digital Desert
Nina Harris
President & Chief Executive Officer, Springfield Urban League
Facebook: Springfield Urban League
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." — Malcolm X
In its most basic sense, civil rights can be defined as the rights of citizens to political and social freedom, and equality. Civil rights afford individuals the opportunity to live freely, unchained from the limits set by discrimination. Never before has the issue of access to technology played such a critical role in the attainment of civil rights and one's potential to realize the American dream. In fact, it has become intrinsically connected to the yield of opportunity a student can expect from his or her investment in education.
Making the Grade: STEAM Prepares Students for Success
Esther L. Bush
President & Chief Executive Officer, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
Facebook: @ulpgh
Homestead Borough, an underpopulated and chronically underserved community located near the city of Pittsburgh, has had its share of hard times. And for many students at Propel Andrew Street High School, whose challenges span the spectrum from poor attendance to failing grades, the road to academic success often feels like a dead end. In response, the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh created the Digital Connectors/Project Ready STEAM (DC/PR STEAM) program.
Today’s Students are Tomorrow’s Scientists, Technicians and Managers
Theodia B. Gillespie
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Quad County Urban League
Twitter: @QCUL
When I began my career in 1984 as the education director for the Aurora Area Urban League (now known as the Quad County Urban League), I was charged with launching Tomorrow's Scientists, Technicians and Managers (TSTM). The program, designed for minority youth, would expose them to science and technology and offer math and science tutoring support to prepare them for careers as scientists, engineers, mathematicians and business leaders.
A Head Start Increases Science Aptitude and Future Success
Michael P. McMillan
President & Chief Executive Officer, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
Twitter: @MMULSTL
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis' Head Start/Early Head Start (ULHS) program is a comprehensive early childhood education program that provides services to 672 children from birth to age five. A particular focus is placed on school-readiness, early childhood education, family and community engagement, and health and nutrition services.
Picking up STEAM: A Summer Academy Encourages Girls to Pursue Careers in Science and Tech
Thomas Warren Sr.
President and CEO of the Urban League of Nebraska
Facebook: @urbanleagueneb
The Urban League of Nebraska (ULN) administers programs in education and youth development, offering supplemental and enrichment opportunities for high school students. One of our signature programs is the Whitney M. Young Jr. Leadership Academy, a college preparatory program. Under the leadership of Nicole Mitchell, the program’s coordinator, she operates a Girls Summer STEAM Academy in collaboration with the Omaha Public Schools District.
Access on Wheels: A Mobile Computer Lab Drives Through the Technology Gap
Erin R. Houston, Ph.D.
President & Chief Executive Officer, Shenango Valley Urban League
Facebook: Shenango Valley Urban League
In the 21st century, it is common for households to have a computer, sometimes multiple computers. It is also likely that young boys and girls will formally learn how to use a computer during their elementary school years. This early exposure develops their computer skills and affords them an ease with technology that can later be put to practical use as adults.
A Climate In Crisis
Executive Summary