Why North Carolina Needs a Higher Education Intervention

What are your child's plans after high school? Are they planning to attend college or is the workforce their destination? North Carolina has a graduation rate of 71.7%, 80,534 students. As of 2009, North Carolina had 112,321 seniors. Of those students only 56,560 took the S.A.T.

More disparaging is out of 56,560 tests taken, only 47,389 requested to have their scores sent to colleges and universities. So 71.7% graduation rate is not impressive, but North Carolina has had a lower graduation rate. Ten years prior to this report, North Carolina had an abysmal graduation rate of 52.5%. Today's figures points to only 58.8% of the total number of North Carolina seniors plan on going to college. This is also assuming the 47,389 students who sent out there S.A.T. scores actually attend college. Where does your child fit into this equation?

College is not for everyone, but the options are available. When we look at colleges, we review costs, demographics, locations, and accreditation among other things. Have you ever thought of Historically Black Colleges and Universities for your education choices? HBCU's were established after the end of the Civil War and were designed to educate Black Americans. But as of 2007, non-black students accounted for 13% of the total enrollment of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. There are currently 105 HBCU's nationwide.

There are currently 11 HBCU's in the state of North Carolina. With an estimated enrollment of 35,000 students, HBCU's are a viable option for a state making progress within education. Which one do you choose? Listed are the 11 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in North Carolina.

Barber-Scotia College

Bennett College

Elizabeth City State University

Fayetteville State University

Johnson C. Smith University

Livingstone College

North Carolina A&T University

North Carolina Central University

St. Augustine's College

Shaw University

Winston-Salem State University

Historically Black Colleges and Universities no longer should be considered as a "blacks only" education source. Look at the deeper issue of graduation rates and the opportunities available. If you consider the 113,321 graduating seniors and add them into the college bound, you will increase enrollment by 100% at state level along.

HBCU's face challenges with enrollment and financing, but North Carolina's graduating seniors must know that these colleges and universities exist. The best way to increase graduation rates is to show graduating seniors there are options other than traditional colleges and universities.