Note: This post is based on a forthcoming study related to HBCU Honors programs and was co-authored with Claire Fluker (University of Pennsylvania), Felecia Commodore (University of Pennsylvania), and Darryl Peterkin (Morgan State University).
There is an abundance of research on academically underprepared students and their experiences at HBCUs. Likewise, there is a fair amount of research on developmental programs and the role that HBCUs play in empowering students who struggle in college. However, there is a lack of empirical research on high-achieving students at HBCUs, especially those that participate in honors programs. This lack of research creates a false understanding of the contributions of Black colleges, highlighting only their work with underprepared students and neglecting the experiences of high-achieving students and the meaningful efforts of honors program staffs.
HBCU honors programs vary by institution, but have a common mission of attracting and retaining high-achieving African American students. Of note, HBCU honors programs include peer and faculty mentoring, leadership development, an emphasis on community service, and a focus on personal as well as academic development. According to our research, the two factors that lead to successful honors programs are a supportive and engaged faculty and adequate funding to support the activities of the programs. HBCU honors programs are vital to the future success of HBCUs because they give these institutions the capacity to attract high-achieving students that are often pursued by wealthy historically White institutions. In addition, research shows that the presence of honors students on HBCU campuses can inspire and motivate non honors students to achieve and work harder on academics. Moreover, honors programs attract and maintain competitive faculty members. read more…
