The Importance Of Higher Education On Black Youth

The gap between female and male enrollment is widest for African American students, according to a 2018 National Center for Education Statistics report. Considering black students are already underrepresented in higher education, this shows a concerning absence of young African American men in college.

While some people may think higher education is too much of an investment of time and money upfront, it turns out the benefits consistently outweigh those costs – especially for young African American men. Read on to learn the top 6 benefits of higher education that show the importance of young African American men going to college.

6 Benefits of Higher Ed For African American Boys | #1 – Expanded Career Options

Jobs for those with only a high school diploma are in trades or more labor intensive. It’s harder for young black men to show their true potential in these positions. Additionally, vocational certifications only prepare you for one trade, and can’t be applied elsewhere without an additional certification.

Job mobility is limited for candidates with only a high school diploma, which can result in young black men being stuck in jobs that might not give them much satisfaction. Higher education typically has general education requirements which allows students to explore different subjects and get a better idea of what they want to do without wasting time, money, or credits.

6 Benefits of Higher Ed For African American Boys | #2 – Higher Earning Potential

Not only does going to college expand career options, but pursuing higher education unlocks a higher earning potential for young black men. A college degree signals a greater professional capacity to potential employers, which translates to higher salaries.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that men with higher education earn 84% more than men with only a high school diploma. The unemployment rate is also lower for degree holders compared to those with just a high school diploma. African American high school graduates with no college education are more than twice as likely to be unemployed than African Americans with a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Money isn’t everything, but it provides less financial worries and more control over life. Higher earning potential makes it so young black men can keep their heads above water and even enjoy disposable income and give back to their communities.

6 Benefits of Higher Ed For African American Boys | #3 – Transition to A Young Man

In addition to having financial independence, young black men gain a sense of self away from home. Developmentally, they have the opportunity to shape their identity, reflect on their own values, and establish how they want to interact with others interpersonally. This provides young black men with a healthy way to have a clear sense of who they are and what type of man they want to be, that is rooted in their own understanding of their values.

Higher education teaches students to think critically in ways that high school doesn’t offer. Building these skills enable young men to make more thoughtful and informed decisions in their personal lives as well as their academic lives. In college, students are taught to be self-motivated, responsive, and most importantly, open to learning from their mistakes.

It’s inevitable that young black men are going to deal with adversity and setbacks in college, but it’s important to allow them the space to figure it out on their own. Not having their parent’s oversight challenges a young black man to step up in ways that he hasn’t before. And as a result, they have the opportunity to transition into the responsible young men that we know they have the potential to be.

6 Benefits of Higher Ed For African American Boys | #4 – Improved Confidence

Getting to class on time, completing assignments, and participating in group projects are standards that will be set in college. Like-minded, engaged peer groups provide a culture of support that will help African American young men welcome this kind of responsibility. The structure of higher education allows for students to consistently be rewarded for putting in hard work. Having that feeling of

self-assurance and appreciation of their abilities is important in building self-confidence. A sense of control and social support can be transformational for young black men – purposeful living can motivate them to become the best versions of themselves.

6 Benefits of Higher Ed For African American Boys | #5 – Happier & Healthier

Higher education also provides the opportunity for young black men to enroll in classes and sign up for activities that excite them, without the structured limitations of high school. They can meet people from various backgrounds and cultures that have similar interests, in addition to discovering new interests they didn’t know they had.

For decades, it’s been well established by institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that educational attainment improves health and life expectancy. Greater educational attainment is associated with health-promoting behaviors like eating fruits and vegetables and doing regular physical activity.

This is extremely important for African American men, who have a lower life expectancy than their white peers. Completion of higher education is key to having adequate food, housing, insurance, and other basic necessities for a happy and healthy life.

6 Benefits of Higher Ed For African American Boys | #6 – Become A World Traveler

Travel can be one of the best learning opportunities outside of the classroom. Through study abroad programs, alternative spring breaks, and internship opportunities around the country, students can make global connections.

Traveling is a great way to grow as a person – meeting new people, experiencing different cultures, and learning how to go about daily life in a foreign place are all great ways to develop personally and professionally. No matter where your student enrolls, leaving what they’ve always known is the first step in discovering where they fit in the world.

Higher education expands career options, boosts earning potential, and helps develop character for young African American men.

Whatever the path, higher education can help young black men get there. The Blue Heart Foundation is focused on the empowerment and education of under-served youth, and we believe that college education can change a community. We provide our young men from disadvantaged backgrounds with academic support, financial assistance, and leadership training to become first generation college students.

With a 100% college acceptance rate, our young men have earned thousands of dollars in scholarships to universities across the country. Contact us today to learn more about how we can provide students with the tools to succeed and excel in today’s academic and social environment.