Is an HBCU or All-Women's School Best for Your Child? What You Said
Compiled by the DiversityInc staff
January 04, 2008
The White Guy says a southern alma mater could end up hurting your career in the long run because employers associate the degree with historically intolerant "regional values." How about HBCUs or all-women's schools? Most DiversityInc readers think they, especially HBCUs, provide better educational environments and more expansive networking opportunities.
Is an HBCU or all-women's school best for your child? Tell us what you think.
Here's what you said about the best school for your child:
I graduated from an HBCU for undergrad and attended grad school at Purdue University. The opportunities I got at the HBCU were better than those that are available to African-American students at other schools. When a business [school or] law school or other higher means of education wants to recruit smart African-American children, they recruit from HBCUs. I was able to do so many things that some of my current colleagues never got the opportunity to do at their northern and "white" schools.
--D. Moore
An HBCU is a great opportunity, if I had to judge from the friends I have who graduated from such schools. It really seemed like recruiters across the country built relationships with these institutions because they were diverse and they were eager to recruit students from HBCUs. Also, my friends seemed much more connected to the people they'd gone to school with and developed networks that are harder to obtain if you're a minority in a majority-white institution. I don't have any children yet but I definitely would like to send them to an HBCU.
--Whitney Bivens
I started my bachelor's degree at Elizabeth City State University, an HBCU, and then transferred at the request of my parents to the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill (largely white school). Based on my experiences of attending both an HBCU and a largely white school within one degree, I've decided my kids will attend a white school for a few reasons. Although I can say that I learned more (book-wise) at the HBCU, the white school taught me the value of networking and using all of the resources at my disposal. Attending UNC was an eye-opening experience because I had to deal with everything I deal with in the work world--racism, and incredibly intelligent people who have everything already at their fingertips. It made me begin to think how I can get ahead in a seemingly unfair world, an attitude I still possess.
It truly is about networking in this world. I have worked as a recruiter/headhunter for years and I always have hiring managers who will only hire people from well-known schools regardless of a person's experience. Despite my efforts to "open their eyes," this behavior still exists. By the way, I also got my "break" into this field because the manager for the position was a fan of North Carolina's basketball team. She was sure I could do the job based solely on the fact that I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill. I don't follow our basketball team but received the benefit of national exposure.
--Nicole Walton
As a recent graduate of Spelman College, I can firmly say that I was presented with more opportunities for networking and advancement that I would have at another HBCU or other institution. One of Spelman's strengths is that it requires its graduates to be well rounded, well networked, and informed of a variety of global issues. With this knowledge, employers are recognizing that we are a valuable asset to the future of a variety of organizations, particularly for the next generation of the workplace.
I was not sure what I wanted to do when I first got to Spelman, but I felt free to consider various routes and I was presented with valuable access to some of the top academic and professional programs and employers, as well as mentors who gave priceless insight. Ultimately, I interned at a top investment and financial-services institution in New York for two summers and am now working at a top-ten consulting firm.
From my perspective, Spelman women are in demand in a variety of fields, particularly law and business, because of the strength of the degree as well as the tight-knit alumnae network that we have access to. The biggest opportunity for Spelman women in this area is aggressively acting on the opportunity, not seeking it.
--Ashley Moss
HBCU was an excellent choice for my children. One went to an HBCU and the other chose Michigan State. My daughter at the HBCU was very excited and enjoyed her experience. My daughter at Michigan liked it but felt that the support from the teachers and administration is not consistent. She also had difficulty with the different culture in the dating arena in the school. --Anita Guyton.
Readers' Comments
Posted: Monday, Jan 05, 2009
Is an HBCU or All-Women's School Best for Your Child? What You Said
As a parent, who attended a majority caucasion undergraduate school and law school, the choice for my children, who have been raised in a majority caucasion neighborhood, is an HBCU. My daughter will be attending Spelman in the fall of 2009 and for the first time in her life, is very excited about being in an educational environment, where her culture is celebrated and a personal interest is taken in her achievement. Although I have had educational and professional success, I know the isolation of attending a majority White Univ. I have family and friends, who attended HBCUs and their educational experiences were just as good as mine. Also, their post-graduate connection to their school is second to none. Perhaps my children will decide to go mainstream for a graduate program. I feel confident that their HBCU education will prepare them for whatever choice they make.
Regina J
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Posted: Tuesday, Sep 09, 2008
Is an HBCU or All-Women's School Best for Your Child? What You Said
I am so glad that I attended a HBCU. I feel as a graduate of Spelman College being there exposed me to different people from other places. I loved Spelman it taught me the significance of being a proud African American lady in every since of the word! I am proud when I say I attended Spelman. The went to school with some gifted and great ladies that had class and style but yet were well rounded,well traveled and of course well read.... I would do it all over again because the school transformed me into the great and productive entreprenuer that I am today..
Ora "Nee Nee" Williamson
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