President Obama creates initiative to promote historically black colleges

President Obama creates initiative to promote historically black colleges

In order to promote equality in higher education, President Obama has recently declared September 12-18 as National Black College and University week. The Atlanta Post reports that this initiative is intended to recognize those who took risks to create historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and to improve graduation rates. The President's goal is to have the highest percentage of college graduates in the world within the next 10 years.

In February, he signed an executive order that allows governmental collaboration among the educational, philanthropic and private sectors. This effort was created to increase a school's ability "to offer a college degree to as many students as possible."

His initiatives include the allotment of $850 million over 10 years for HBCUs, and legislation that eliminated billions of dollars in subsidies to banks and financial institutions, "making it possible for millions of more students to attend colleges, universities and community colleges all across the country."

In an effort to reach more students, select HBCUs are offering online courses that can lead to a certificate or degree.

According to a 2009 report published by the Sloan Consortium, approximately 4.6 million students were taking at least one online course last fall.

By Mark Danson