Challenges Faced by Black Students Preparing to Enter College: A Narrative Perspective

Entering college is a monumental step for any student, but for many Black students, the path is laden with unique challenges that extend beyond the usual academic and personal adjustments. Through the lens of one fictional student’s journey, this report will explore the struggles faced by Black students as they prepare for college and highlight area where the community can push for solutions to address these obstacles.

The Journey of Jamal

Jamal is a high school senior with dreams of becoming an engineer. As a Black student in an underfunded urban school, he has faced systemic challenges throughout his academic career. His story reflects the broader struggles of many Black students striving for higher education.

Financial Barriers

Jamal’s family lives paycheck to paycheck, leaving little room for savings or discretionary spending. College tuition, application fees, and the cost of textbooks seem insurmountable. Jamal worries about burdening his family with student loans and struggles to identify scholarships he qualifies for. Though he’s determined to pursue his dreams, financial uncertainty looms over his plans.

Educational Inequities

Jamal’s high school lacks the resources of schools in wealthier districts. Advanced Placement (AP) courses and extracurricular activities are limited, and his school’s STEM program is underfunded. Despite his enthusiasm for engineering, Jamal hasn’t had opportunities to participate in robotics competitions or advanced math courses. These gaps leave him feeling underprepared compared to students from more privileged schools.

Navigating the College Application Process

Jamal’s school has one overburdened counselor for hundreds of students, making it hard to get the personalized guidance he needs. He’s unfamiliar with the Common Application and struggles to craft a compelling personal essay. His parents, while supportive, don’t have experience with college admissions, leaving him to navigate the process on his own.

Stereotypes and Discrimination

Throughout his life, Jamal has encountered stereotypes that make him question his place in academia. Teachers and peers have underestimated his abilities, and he’s often felt the need to prove himself. As he considers predominantly white institutions (PWIs), Jamal worries about encountering microaggressions and a lack of representation.

Mental Health Struggles

Balancing school, part-time work, and family responsibilities takes a toll on Jamal’s mental health. He experiences stress and self-doubt but has limited access to culturally competent mental health resources. The stigma surrounding mental health in his community further discourages him from seeking help.

How can we close the gap?

Jamal’s challenges are not unique, and addressing these systemic issues requires a comprehensive approach from educators, communities, and policymakers. Below are targeted solutions for each challenge:

Addressing Financial Barriers

• Expand Scholarship Opportunities: Local organizations and national foundations can create scholarships specifically for Black students. Simplifying the application process and increasing outreach efforts can help students like Jamal access these resources.
• Financial Literacy Workshops: Schools and community centers can offer workshops to teach families about financial aid, budgeting, and student loans.
• Fee Waivers: Colleges and testing organizations should expand fee waiver programs for applications and standardized tests to alleviate financial burdens.

Combating Educational Inequities

• Equitable School Funding: Advocating for policies that allocate resources fairly to underfunded schools can improve access to AP courses, extracurricular programs, and STEM opportunities.
• Mentorship and Tutoring Programs: Community organizations can connect students with mentors and provide free tutoring to help close educational gaps.
• Pre-College Enrichment Programs: Initiatives like summer STEM camps or college bridge programs can prepare students academically and build their confidence.

Simplifying the College Application Process

• Dedicated College Counselors: Increasing the number of counselors in underfunded schools can ensure students receive personalized guidance.
• Parent Engagement Workshops: Educating parents about the college application process empowers them to support their children.
• Online Tools and Resources: Comprehensive websites and apps can guide students step-by-step through applications, essays, and financial aid forms.

Reducing Stereotypes and Discrimination

• Representation Matters: Colleges should actively recruit Black faculty and staff to create more inclusive environments.
• Bias Training for Educators: Schools and colleges can implement anti-bias training to address stereotypes and foster equitable treatment of Black students.
• Safe Spaces and Support Groups: Student organizations like Black Student Unions can provide a sense of community and belonging.

Supporting Mental Health

• Culturally Competent Counseling: Schools and colleges must hire counselors who understand the unique challenges faced by Black students.
• Peer Support Networks: Programs that connect students with peers who share similar experiences can reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health.
• Stress Management Workshops: Teaching coping strategies like mindfulness and time management can help students manage the pressures of college preparation.

Jamal’s Outcome

With the support of a community mentorship program, Jamal learns about scholarships tailored to Black students and applies successfully for financial aid. A local nonprofit connects him with a retired engineer who becomes his mentor, guiding him through his college applications and providing insights into the engineering field.

Jamal is accepted into a state university with a strong engineering program. Through a pre-college summer bridge initiative, he gains exposure to campus life and builds connections with other minority students. During his freshman year, he joins the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), where he finds mentorship and camaraderie. Access to mental health resources on campus helps him manage stress and maintain his well-being.

By the end of his first year, Jamal is thriving both academically and socially, proving that with the right support and opportunities, Black students can overcome systemic barriers and achieve their dreams.

Conclusion

Jamal’s story illustrates the challenges Black students face in preparing for college, from financial constraints to systemic inequities and social barriers. Addressing these issues requires a collective effort to provide targeted resources, inclusive environments, and comprehensive support systems. By implementing these solutions, we can empower Black students to navigate the college journey with confidence and unlock their full potential. Equity in education is not just an aspiration but a necessity for building a more inclusive and equitable society.

Financial Management and Investing for Young Adults



In an era marked by economic volatility and uncertainty, it is imperative to equip young adults with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of personal finance effectively.

The Giboney Foundation is developing a comprehensive financial literacy program tailored specifically for young, minority adults. Patterned with Everfi, we aim to empower participants to make informed decisions, cultivate responsible financial habits, and secure their financial futures.

Program objectives:

1. Financial Management Education: Provide participants with foundational knowledge and practical skills in budgeting, saving, debt management, and financial planning.
2. Stock Market Investment Education: Introduce participants to the fundamentals of investing, including risk assessment, asset allocation, portfolio diversification, and the mechanics of stock market participation.

The first course, launched in November 2024 is the Introduction to Financial Literacy for High School Students. This newly updated financial literacy foundations course teaches students how to make informed financial decisions that promote financial well-being over their lifetime. The interactive lessons translate complex financial concepts in ways that help students develop actionable strategies for managing their finances. Topic areas include: Consumer Skills, Smart Money Habits, Budgeting, Checking Accounts, Saving Accounts, Credit and Debit Basics, Education ROI, Education & Financial Aid, Exploring Jobs & Careers, Beginning Employment, and Insurance Basics.

Please visit https://www.thegiboneyfoundation.org/student-programs for more information.

Mallory Butts earns the spotlight on the ESPN show First Take as they visit  Spelman College!

Mallory Butts, the first  recipient of The Giboney Foundation's Mary Giboney Memorial Scholarship, and Miss Spelman College 2024, was highlighted with a spot on ESPN's First Take when they visited Spelman college during the fall of 2024

First Take, the leading sports commentary and debate show hosted by Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe and Molly Qerim, visited the joint campus of Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College, as part of their annual visits to Historical Black College and Universities (HBCUs).

The Giboney Foundation is proud to play a part in her collegiate experience and success.

Congratulations, Mallory!

https://www.spelman.edu/student-life/miss-spelman-and-court.html

2025 Giboney Foundation / BGA

Cabo Golf Retreat

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

May 21-27, 2025

We are thrilled to announce the 2025 Giboney Foundation / Black Golfers Association Facebook group Cabo Golf Retreat, set against the stunning backdrop of Cabo San Lucas from May 21-27, 2025. Attendees will enjoy six nights at the luxurious Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort, where comfort meets elegance, providing the perfect base for an unforgettable golfing experience. This exclusive event promises four rounds of golf at some of the finest courses in the region: Quivira, Solmar, Cabo Del Sol, and Puerto Los Cabos golf clubs, each offering unique challenges and breathtaking views that will delight both amateur and seasoned golfers.

Adding to the excitement, participants will embark on a Saturday afternoon cruise from the Cabo San Lucas Marina, providing an exciting and picturesque journey along the coastline. To ensure a seamless experience, transportation is included for airport transfers, golf venues, and the cruise. We are also proud to partner with Southwest Airlines to offer a flight discount and a 25% points bonus for flights to SJD, making travel to this exceptional event even more accessible and rewarding for our members.

Beyond the thrill of the game and the beauty of Cabo, the 2025 Cabo Golf Retreat is an opportunity to give back as the proceeds will benefit The Giboney Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to investing in the future of young adults from diverse backgrounds by providing scholarships, mentorships, and development programs. By participating in this retreat, golfers will not only indulge in their passion but also contribute to a meaningful cause, making a positive impact on the next generation.