ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

The Challenges of Retaining African-American Males in Higher Education 2007 Mississippi Advisors Meeting Mississippi State University Starkville, MS October 2, 2007 Edward L. Vaughn, Sr., Ph.D., Dean College for Excellence Alcorn State University Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

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ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Enrollment Trends in U.S. Higher Education by Gender, 1970-2006 (percentages) 1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2006

Males

58

55

49

48

45

45

44

42

Females

42

45

51

52

55

55

56

58

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, 2007 Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

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ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

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ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Where Are the Males? Skipping College for Lucrative High-Tech Jobs Dot com Entrepreneurs Video Game Developers Web Site Developers Source: Where the Boys Aren’t: Fewer are Going to College, US News and World Report, (Feb.8, 1999) American Colleges Begin to Ask Where Have All the Men Gone, New York Times, (Dec. 6, 1998) Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

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ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Where the Males Really Are! Military Declined to < 4% of 18-24 age group by 1998 Prison Doubled to 2% of 18-24 age group from 1986-1998 KEY VARIABLE:

Status as a High School Graduate

Males less likely to drop out of High School in the 1970s Males 15-20% more likely to drop out of High School by the 1980s Males 5% more likely to drop out of High school by the early 1990s Male drop out rates approaching 1980s levels 2000-present

Source: Where the Boys Aren’t: Recent Trends in U.S. College Enrollment Patterns, P. Anderson, Dartmouth College, 2000

Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Comparison of National Public High School Graduation Rates, Class of 2003 Group

Male

Female

All Students

White Students

75%

80%

78%

Asian Students

71%

73%

72%

African-American Students

48%

59%

55%

Hispanic Students

49%

58%

53%

Overall

70% Leaving Boys Behind: Public High School Graduation Rates, Manhattan Institute, 2006 Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

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ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Percentage of Undergraduate Fall Enrollment by Race and Gender Selected Years, 1976-2004 1976

1980

1990

2000

2004

White Males

52.4

47.8

45.1

44.6

44.1

White Females

47.6

52.2

54.9

55.4

55.9

Black Males

45.7

42.0

39.0

37.3

35.7

Black Females

54.3

59.0

61.0

62.7

64.3

Source: 2005 American Community Survey, National Center for Education Statistics, 2007 Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Prison or College? U.S. Prison Population 2006

2,000,000

Blacks

41%

Non-Hispanic Whites

37%

Hispanics

19%

Other

3%

Male

90%

Female

10%

Note: Data excludes commuter students; prison inmates largely 25 or older, college housing residents 18-24 Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

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ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Prison or College ? (con’t) U.S. Population Living in College Housing

2,300,000

Non-Hispanic Whites

73%

Blacks

12%

Asians

7%

Hispanics

6%

Other

2% Prison : College Ratio

Blacks

3:1

Hispanics

2.7 : 1

Whites

1:2

Note: Data excludes commuter students; prison inmates largely 25 or older, college housing residents 18-24 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2006 Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Foundation of the High School Drop Out Rate for Black Males 1. Home and Neighborhood Environment Poverty Inadequate healthcare Single-Parent households High crime Drugs

2. Difficulties Experienced in Elementary School

3. Boys Reaction Anger Fear of Abandonment

4. Prophecy of the Label is Fulfilled

Labeled as Troublemakers Disciplinary Problems Slow Learners

Source: Targeting Black Boys for Failure, Emerge, 1994 Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

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ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Evolution of the Minority Male View of School Elementary School

Safe and pleasant places for play, success, and fair gain

Middle/High School

Sites of intolerance, oppression and dehumanization (Become like other social institutions that devalue them)

RESULT:

Disconnect from classroom learning experiences Source: Mentoring Young Men of Color, 2006 Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Contributing Factors for Academic Failure by Males of Color •

See no clue of the social role for males of color in textbooks or classroom activities

•

Negative treatment encountered in schools Zero tolerance measures (Important to understand child development; differences between males and females)

•

Blame Game: “It’s the teacher’s fault” Students are complicit in their own failure Source: Mentoring Young Men of Color, 2006 Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

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ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Continuum of African-American Male Students High Achiever

Low Achiever

Engaged with School

Loosely Connected to School

Well-Adjusted to Academic Environment

Poorly Adjusted to Academic Environment

High SelfEsteem

Low Self-Esteem Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Continuum of African-American Male Students As They View Themselves Nerd

Hip

Bookworm

Cool

Unable to Relate

Independent

Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

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ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Cohort of African-American Males Entering College 52% High School Graduate

Higher Education Military Graduate / Professional Higher Wage Jobs Career Progression / Satisfaction Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Cohort of African-American Males on an Alternative Path 48% Dropped Out by Graduation

Low Wage Jobs Unemployed Criminal Record Unrealistic Expectations of Success Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

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ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Challenge for Higher Education Improve the Odds of Success for the 52% of African-American Males that Enroll in College

They have . . . . . . . Self-esteem issues Academic preparation issues Resource issues Adjustment issues Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Characteristics of Students Entering Higher Education 1) Have a strong desire to to finish college

Males 92.6%

Females 96.2%

37.8% 49.8%

53.7% 64.4%

2) Not motivated to read/study hard Gain satisfaction from Reading Study hard

3) Study 3 hours or less/week

(47%)

Source: 2007 National Freshman Attitudes Report, Noel-Levitz Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

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ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Why Do Students Leave College? Academic Preparedness Campus Climate/Poor Fit Weak Commitment to Educational Goals and/or Institution Failure to Socially and/or Academically Integrate Lack of Financial Support/Aid Source: Educational Policy Institute, 2007 Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

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ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Essential Characteristics for Success Learning to Persist/Persisting to Learn Persistence is a learned behavior Students from lower socio-economic backgrounds view luck or chance as a more significant factor in success than effort or persistence Improving Black Student Achievement by Enhancing Students’ Self-Image A positive self-image is important for all students but is critical for under-achieving minority students Source: Improving Black Student Achievement by Enhancing Students’ Self Image, Crystal Kuykendall, Ed.D., The Mid Atlantic Equity Center Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Strong Institutional Focus on Student Retention and Outcomes Student support services such as proactive advising and early warning systems must be well aligned and coordinated across the campus

Targeted Support for Minority Students Students are more likely to succeed at colleges where they are made to feel welcome Source: What Community College Policies and Practices Are Effective in Promoting Student Success? A Study of Highand Low- Impact Institutions, Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

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ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Strengthen Student Decision-Making What they will study How often they will interact with faculty Developing the proper balance between study, work, and play Engaging with the institution

Source: Increasing the Success of Minority Students on Science and Technology, American Council on Education, 2006 Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Framework for Student Retention Financial Aid •Finances are a make-it or break-it issue •Information is vital •Attitudes about debt

Curriculum and Instruction •Instructional Technology •Faculty delivery exciting, interesting, motivating

Recruitment and Admissions •Proper institutional fit is important

Student Services •Social integration with the institution Campus climate

Academic Services •Academic Advising

Source: Retaining Minority Students in Higher Education, 2003 Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

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ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Key to the Framework MONITORING Advantages Follow student progress Anticipate needs of students Assess the impact of interventions Monitoring system must be . . . Student-centered Data-driven Comprehensive Longitudinal Continuous Source: Retaining Minority Students in Higher Education, 2003 Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Tools to Improve Retention • • • • • •

Early Warning/Early Alert Financial Assistance Academic Support Services Mentoring Program Cultural/Social Support Others Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

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ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Questions to Ask on Campus • Does the institution monitor the progress of students in general? • Is the institution retaining African-American males in appropriate numbers? • Are African-American male students having problems disproportionately? • Are African-American male students using the existing support services available at the institution? Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Selected Programs Addressing the Needs of African-American Male Students

Student African American Brotherhood Organization (SAAB) Program fosters academic excellence and a spirit of community service among male students (Currently on more than 50 campuses nationwide) Brother-to-Brother (SAAB chapters serving Hispanics) Morgan MILE, Morgan State University Provides mentoring and academic support to male students

Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

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ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Selected Programs Addressing the Needs of African-American Male Students (con’t) The Risk-Point Intervention Program, University of Texas at San Antonio Provides interventional academic support to first-year, first-time freshmen at any one of five specified points where academic risks become observable First-year Learning Team (FLighT) Program, Southeast Missouri State University Provides freshmen with one of six holistic learning and living community experiences to assist them in the academic and social transition to college life Student Pal Program, Glendale Community College Identifies key characteristics of at-risk students to improve the retention and success of minority students Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Selected Programs Addressing the Needs of African-American Male Students (con’t) Model Institutions for Excellence (MIE) Program, Bowie State University Provides institutional development and student support activities for the successful recruitment and retention of science, engineering, and mathematics students Structured Academic Year (STAY) Program, West Virginia University Two-semester program for students on academic probation that requires students to live on campus in a structured environment to improve their study skills and grades

Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

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ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Contact Information

Edward L, Vaughn, Sr. 1000 ASU Drive 900 Alcorn State, MS 39096 601.877.6227 [email protected]

Alcorn State University Copyright © Alcorn State University, All Rights Reserved 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-222-6790 www.alcorn.edu

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