SCIENCE
TECHNOLOGY
ENGINEERING
MATH
There is an innovative program that Historically Black Colleges and Universities have embraced that has changed the narrative about their ability to survive the rapidly changing educational environment. It is openly acknowledged that HBCUs are chronically underfunded compared to predominately White institutions. That hasn’t totally hindered these universities from producing more than their share of Black graduates historically.
The STEM programs opens a new avenue for opportunities for under served students who aspire to a higher education and better careers. Some HBCUs have ramped up their initiatives to support these students pursuing STEM careers. North Carolina A&T, Florida A&M and Alabama A&M Universities have taken the lead. According to reports, approximately 90% of black students attend predominantly white institutions (PWIs), and 21 of the top 50 institutions (42%) who educate African-American students who go on to receive their doctorates in science and engineering are HBCU graduates. Also, HBCU’s produce 27 percent of African-American students with bachelor’s degrees in STEM fields.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics show STEM careers saw a growth rate nearly double that of other careers and that 93% of STEM jobs had a salary that was above the national average for non-STEM occupations. African-American students make up less than 5% of the STEM workforce, so in order to meet the needs of this constantly growing field, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are graduating more African-Americans with bachelor’s degrees in STEM fields of biological sciences, physical sciences, computer science, engineering, and math.
STEM introduced the Pre-Accelerated Curriculum in Engineering (PACE) Program, a 6-week intensive pre-college summer program for freshmen who need college-level courses in the engineering program. These type of PACE programs help students strengthen their skills in math and critical thinking which enhances their ability to pass the tests like developmental mathematics as part of a university’s placement exam.
As of now, not all HBCUs participate in the STEM program.
See the Top 10 Programs