Detroit HBCU Pathways Project
Overview:
In 2023, The Kresge Foundation Education Team asked us to investigate how to move more Detroit students toward HBCU degree completion and then have them launch their careers home in Michigan. This was spurred by trending data that showed when Detroit students chose out-of-state schools, more than 86% of the time, they were choosing Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Our mission was to learn from, share information with and build alignment among stakeholders, which reveal best practices to support Detroit students’ access to and through college completion at HBCUs, and ultimately their return to Michigan for employment and impact.
Objectives:
Document the existing resources, services and stakeholders that form the network and pathways for students to access and succeed at HBCUs
Identify opportunities that further support the network and pathways for students to access and succeed in college
Create a comprehensive framework that reflects best practices and strategic recommendations for the Detroit students-to-HBCU access and success ecosystem
Foster an environment of collaboration among individuals and organizations that best serves students
Provide data-informed, practical guidance for student pathways to HBCUs
Develop framework that can be applied in other communities
Results:
After 18 months of community engagement with more than 350 students, parents, HBCU alumni, high school counselors, college access administrators, university leaders, and employers, we completed a report to share key learnings and recommendations. The report was shared at an event at the Brinker Family Loft at the Henry Ford Pistons Performance Center in early October.
Click the button below to view and download the report.
Want to learn more or share information with us?
Email equity@woodswattseffect.com or complete this form.
Funded by The Kresge Foundation.
