Author(s): The United Negro College Fund
Published: April 26, 2018
Report Intro/Brief:
“The purpose of this study is to examine the perspectives of low-income African American youth on education. Too little research includes minority youth voices in a meaningful way. This study explored the following three areas of interest and the associated research questions:
- Priorities and aspirations: How do African American youth define success? What role does race and self-efficacy play in their perception of success? What are their aspirations beyond high school?
- Barriers to achievement: What significant challenges do African American youth face in school and in their communities? What are the barriers to obtaining a post secondary education?
- Perceptions of the learning environment: What are African American youth’s perception of their schools? Do students feel supported in school? What factors would improve the learning environment for youths?
The key findings highlight perceptions of success, education and future aspirations held by low-income African American youth who report substantial drive and determination, despite significant obstacles and negative narratives regarding their success. Overall, the results illuminate the importance of including youth’s voices in understanding aspirations, school level practices and educational environments. A few key findings are listed below.
- Education priorities: Nearly 70 percent of low-income African American youth indicated success in school was a top priority, and 89 percent agree it is important to obtain a postsecondary education.
- Race and opportunity: Slightly more than one-third of African American youth felt race may limit their opportunities in life.
- Safety and discipline: Only 43 percent of respondents felt safe at their schools, and several youth experienced some form of discipline in school that removed them from the classroom setting.
- Preparation for college: 65 percent of African American youth felt their high school prepared them for college; however, they also cited their biggest obstacles to college attainment and completion as (1) financial difficulties, (2) concerns about standardized tests and math, and (3) the lack of support services at school.”
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