Overview of Program(s)
College Scholars Program (African American Males)
Low academic achievement for African American males continues to be a significant societal problem. Nationally, only 59% of African American males graduate with a high school diploma (compared to 65% Latino and 80% White). Of the African American male students who go to college, only 35% attain a degree in 6 years (compared to 62% of white students). In fact, Black male college completion rates are the lowest among all racial/ethnic groups and genders in the U.S. According to the Pell Institute, Low income, first-generation African American male students performed worst, with a degree attainment rate of a dismal 11% in 6 years.
Since 1982, over $1,000,000 in cash assistance has been awarded, benefiting several hundred matriculating African American Male High School seniors. In addition participating students receive a dedicated mentor, coaching support, and career support.
Since 2010, our students have performed well above the national averages in graduation rates. An impressive, fifty-seven percent (57%) of our students acquired their undergraduate degrees within the first 4 years. Eighty-four percent (84%) have acquired or will acquire their degrees within six years, and less than four percent (4%) have dropped out of school.
An equally impressive percentage of our students have gone on to graduate/professional schools and/or moved immediately into the workforce often with the assistance of the BBF’s network of corporate and individual contacts.
William Rochester william.rochester.bbf@gmail.com
The Program(s) Impact
- Over 1,200 students have participated in the program
- Over 200 hours of instruction each year
- Over 95,000 total student exposure hours to date
- Over 30,000 hours of volunteerism confidence in STEM content.
- Over 15 STEM Topics and Careers covered
- Over 75% of new participants report experience at least “1” first time
- Over 90% of participants report increased confidence in STEM content.
- 100% show increased knowledge of STEM careers, and the utility of STEM studies in real life.