Black Women and College The purpose of this paper is to ex

The purpose of this paper is to examine the existing research on the factors associated with African-American women's decision to attend or not to attend college. Examining this research is important because to the extent that social workers have a complete understanding of these factors, they will be in a better position to help these women overcome the barriers to higher education that confront them.

Factors Contributing to College Attendance

Before examining this research, it is first important to understand that college attendance is imperative for minority groups in general an for black women in particular. In this regard, Cole (1988) has stated that education is the most consistent and obtainable means for the empowerment of Black women. Moreover, in a study conducted by the Women's Bureau of the Department of Labor (1991), it was found that African-American women with a college education have less unemployment, higher paying jobs, and work in more career-oriented managerial and professionally specialty occupations than African-American women who are not college educated.

Given the foregoing, the key question is: What are the factors that facilitate and/or hinder African-American women's decision to attend college? Weiler (1997) has discussed this issue. In particular, she notes that many African-American adolescents thinking about going to college need extensive support to make this decision. Many, for example, live in economically depressed are

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ridge programs work to motivate the choice to attend college. For example, the Girl Scout Council of Greater New York and The Bronx Zoo have jointly designed a program to introduce urban adolescent girls to the natural sciences and increase their awareness of the range of career options related to wildlife sciences and conservation biology. (6) Peer support for college attendance can operate to motivate the choice, especially since adolescents are heavily influenced by their peers. Weiler (1997) has stated that one of the strongest contributors to the decision to attend college can be the high school itself. In particular, she recommends that high schools plan and implement career development programs that teach young black women how to develop and/or improve those skills they need to obtain a high-paying, professional job---skills that help them to decide to attend college. In order for such programs to be effective, Weiler (1997) states that they must directly address the unique needs of young black girls. Also, since in many cases parents may not be supportive of the decision to attend college, teachers should provide career development support. Indeed, in this regard, Weiler (1997) reports that existing research indi

Category: History - B