Overview
The African American six-year college graduation rate hovers around only 40%, compared to 65% overall. Minority students are getting in to elite colleges and receiving grants and scholarships to make attendance possible, but upon arriving, they often feel unprepared. The cultural differences and marginalization felt by students of color are still huge impediments to success.
What can we do to close the achievement gap? Join WNYC and the Jackie Robinson Foundation as they convene students, educators, professionals and policy makers for an interactive conversation – both live on stage and on Twitter – about what must change and who needs to play a role. Be part of the conversation either in-studio or by watching a live video webcast that will stream on this page.
Actress and writer Cassandra Freeman will moderate the discussion with guests Dr. Yohuru Williams, History Department Chair and Director of Black Studies at Fairfield University; Khary Lazarre-White, writer, attorney and Executive Director of The Brotherhood/Sister Sol; and Joy Profet, General Manager of Essence magazine and a past Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar.
Watch the conversation live below beginning 7pm ET.
Be part of the conversation! Follow us @thegreenespace and @JRFoundation and join in using #EduGap.
PARTNER:
The Jackie Robinson Foundation
Described in The New York Times in 2008 as what “might be the best educational effort in the country,” the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) is a national, not-for-profit, organization founded in 1973 as a vehicle to perpetuate the memory of Jackie Robinson through the advancement of higher education among underserved populations. Uniquely, JRF provides generous four-year college scholarships in conjunction with a comprehensive set of skills and opportunities to disadvantaged students of color to ensure their success in college and to develop their leadership potential. JRF’s hands-on, four-year program includes peer and professional mentoring, internship placement, extensive leadership training, international travel and community service options, the conveyance of practical life skills, and a myriad of networking opportunities. JRF’s strategic combination of financial assistance and support services results consistently in a nearly 100% college graduation rate.