11 Feb Local Nonprofit Launches Black Student Engagement Program

A new program is meant to help Black students access higher education, graduate from college and succeed after college. (Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash)

CC Pulse Staff Report

The Bay Area organization 10,000 Degrees announced in late January that it launched a program to increase Black student success by giving more students equitable opportunities for a quality college education and career success.

The Black Student Engagement Program was designed to support Black high school and college students with the tools, resources and knowledge to access, persist throughout and graduate from college.

“As an organization that strives to ensure equitable access to higher education, we have a responsibility to deeply understand and address the unique challenges faced by Black students, and to develop tailored solutions that empower them to achieve their full potential,” said Kim Mazzuca, 10,000 Degrees president and CEO, in a press release.

“Many Black students face significant barriers to accessing and completing higher education, with persistent gaps in college enrollment and graduation rates compared to their peers,” she continued. “The need for dedicated Black student engagement initiatives has never been more pressing.”

National data show Black students are enrolling in college at comparable rates to white and Asian students. But the rates at which they finish college lag significantly, according to 10,000 Degrees.

The organization says there are a number of reasons why this is, including Black students being twice as likely to have caregiving or full-time work responsibilities outside of school and arriving in college inadequately prepared by their high schools, according to the Hechinger Report. In addition, Black students who earn a college degree face additional barriers to post-graduation success, often including higher levels of student debt than peers. This debt can reinforce a wealth gap later in life, according to the Brookings Institutions.

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Responding to these challenges, 10,000 Degrees says it wants to boost Black student engagement through the following initiatives: 

Relationship Building: 10,000 Degrees plans to strengthen ties with students, high schools, community colleges and organizations dedicated to supporting Black students, which will include fostering connections with student clubs and community-based organizations.

Community Awareness and Engagement: Through virtual and in-person initiatives, 10,000 Degrees aims to raise awareness in communities of color about its programs and encourage family involvement.

Collaboration: 10,000 Degrees will work across its programs — particularly College Access, College Success and Career Success — to provide comprehensive support for Black students.

Data Collection: 10,000 Degrees will actively monitor engagement and outcomes of its Black students to refine initiatives and ensure effectiveness.

The organization is also piloting a new Black Student Engagement Internship. Interns will provide mentorship to Black students, work to foster supportive communities for students of color on their college campuses, work with local high school students to support their higher education goals, and participate in training and other professional development opportunities that teach leadership, communication and career skills.

In addition, 10,000 Degrees introduced the Black Student College Fund to empower Black students pursuing higher education in the Bay Area. The fund aims to increase Black student college enrollment and engagement and help Black students complete their college education and thrive in their careers.

“Education is a powerful tool for social and economic mobility, but too many Black students face barriers that limit their access and success,” said Koree Cox, director of Black Student Engagement at 10,000 Degrees. “10,000 Degrees is committed to being part of the solution. By creating more opportunities for Black students and working alongside our communities, we will build a more equitable future.”

To learn more about 10,000 Degrees programs and services, please visit www.10000degrees.org.