HBCUs are Empowering Their Programs and Their Students with New Levels of Technology

By Hazel Trice Edney

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) produce 20 percent of all of America’s Black college graduates. That includes 80 percent of Black judges; 70 percent of Black doctors; 50 percent of Black teachers; and 25 percent of Black students who major in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Despite this level of success in educating primarily the descendants of enslaved people – many who are the first to attend college from their families – HBCUs have suffered historical challenges, including underfunding and difficulty attracting and retaining students. That is why educational experts are now applauding the fact that HBCUs are increasingly opening its virtual classrooms to non-traditional students through online learning programs. It is a strat