Though the high school graduation rate for public school students has increased in recent years, racial disparities still exist.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the national graduation rate reached an all-time high of 82 percent in school year 2013-14, with 73 percent of African American students graduating in four years. While graduation rate increases are good news, research shows that some students are not prepared for college upon graduation.
In fact, only six percent of ACT-tested African American high school graduates met college readiness benchmarks in each of the four primary subjects: English, reading, math, and science, compared to 28 percent for all students in 2015. So even if they do defy the odds and make it to college, they will most likely have to take remedial courses. Taking these courses—which require college tuition but generally don’t come with college credit—makes it even harder for these students to stay in college. This is especially troubling since African American students are more likely than other racial groups to receive financial aid for college.
hat is definitely bad news for black students and their families. It’s also bad news for our communities and for our nation. But there is good news. Government officials have started paying attention to this educational crisis. In 2012, the White House issued an executive order that lays out an ambitious plan to improve African American educational outcomes and is inviting African American leaders to drive and participate in the effort.
UNCF is doing its part as well. As the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization, UNCF has always been committed to increasing the number of African American college graduates. Now, we have expanded our focus to include increasing the number of African Americans who are college-ready.
