In regard to the crisis in Black education, I believe it is necessary to take learning beyond the classroom and provide marginalized students with opportunity programs that coincide with their academic curriculum. Acquiring an education is great but there must be programs available that provide mentors, in order to help motivate the students throughout the process. This guarantees that the students know how to apply what they’ve learned into their future work environments and everyday lives as well. Also, it assists in creating a home outside of their own, where they are taught academic preparation through broad and varied resources with the support of leaders, counselors and fellow students alike. I find this to be even more necessary in the times we live in today because some future scholars may not come from a family that encourages higher education since they don't have any experience in trying to obtain a degree themselves or are unable to due to unfortunate circumstances. The goal should always be to push students to their full potential so that they not only find a fulfilling career but can thrive in the world and not just merely survive in it.
As the educational system evolves, there has been more and more emphasis on the need for students’ standardized test scores to improve but in order for that to happen, time must be allocated to achieve the nation’s goal of proficiency. The issue partly lies within the public school system that most students are dependent upon. Teachers are increasingly overwhelmed with mandatory lesson plans and oversized classrooms, not leaving much room to focus in on each pupil’s individual needs. Opportunity programs facilitate in the process of making sure students successfully meet exam requirements in addition to exceeding what is expected of minority groups who are usually underrepresented amongst high ranking standardized test scorers. Without the additional guidance, many may find it difficult to prep for such tests; vital to their entrance into college. During such programs, students are introduced to fun and creative ways to learn and remember vocabulary words, algorithms, and creative writing skills, that if not previously presented, may go undiscovered.
The mission and sole purpose of opportunity programs is to enhance the overall educational experience for students, especially blacks and those of other backgrounds. It is my hope that others begin to recognize the importance and continuance of them so we can expand the horizons of students who are unable to imagine life outside of their own surroundings. Offering career and financial counseling, exposure to diverse job opportunities, and how to utilize skills to their advantage is invaluable. Many people can attribute their success to similar programs where they were taught the fundamentals of education but more importantly, giving back to the community. If we all decide to hold ourselves accountable for creating a cycle of giving, there will be a higher retention and graduation rate among colored students in higher education.
The mission and sole purpose of opportunity programs is to enhance the overall educational experience for students, especially blacks and those of other backgrounds. It is my hope that others begin to recognize the importance and continuance of them so we can expand the horizons of students who are unable to imagine life outside of their own surroundings. Offering career and financial counseling, exposure to diverse job opportunities, and how to utilize skills to their advantage is invaluable. Many people can attribute their success to similar programs where they were taught the fundamentals of education but more importantly, giving back to the community. If we all decide to hold ourselves accountable for creating a cycle of giving, there will be a higher retention and graduation rate among colored students in higher education.
Emilio Pabon is an Academic Advisor for the Upward Bound Program. His passion is to help inner city, low-income, first-generation students excel in high school by exposing them to various career possibilities, higher education institutions, and financial literacy.
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