The problem that my project is focusing on is the educational aspect of the black community. Diverting my views, particularly amongst women, I feel the need to help increase the education rates with the average African- American household. The life and prosperity of a community is gnerally dictated by the degree of education obtained. One need only to look arounf the country in order to see which communities are thriving and which are not, to learn their educational attainments. At many times, the level of education influences the great divide between the “haves” and the “wannabes”. Therefore making it imperative for all communities, especially the African-American communities, to sustain and obtain their commitments to education. According to the U.S. Department of Education, that since the 1940’s, African- American educational levels have continued to climb. In that same year, 12.3 percent of blacks, between the ages of 25-29, just finished high school. By the 1960’s more the half had graduated. Today, that figure is 86.2 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In 1997, the percentage of African American youths graduating from high school paralleled with white youths. There were 86 percent of blacks ages 25-29 graduating high school  compared to 87.6 percent of whites. However, it is important to point out that the high school drop out rates for blacks still reach high and is a problem for future progress. projected that of high school graduates, by state and race, not only will the graduating class of 2012 (baby boom echo) produce the largest pool of high school graduates ever, it will also be the most racially and ethnically diverse ever. For example, in the west, there is no single racial majority among the high school graduating class of 2008. Regarding higher education, black enrollment increased from 8.8% in 1984 to 10.1% of total college enrollment in 1994. Blacks represent 12.6% of the national population and 14.3% of the college age population, according to the African American Education Databook.  The Status of Education and Black America, volume l, Higher and Adult Education found that many of the gains accrued by African Americans in higher education are due to huge increases in participation by black women–there was a 219% increase in the percentage of black women taking their first professional degrees. This is imporatnt for me to continue this era of academic success in African- American women. There is a need for us the uphold ourselves to this statistic, don’t get me wrong I care for the young males in the educational crisis but the negative portrayal put on women makes me want to strive  for more.This indicates that the quest for higher education among African Americans continues to be something that is prized. However, it is important to point out that the dropout rate among black students who are in high school is among the highest and a continuation of that phenomena will erode the gains that have been made in previous years. The SAT test is commonly used by four-year colleges and universities to determine entrance. While it is considered one ingredient among many factors that determine a student’s selection to a college or university, it is significant and often used as a screening device. African American students generally score below other groups on the Scholastic Aptitude Test, thereby limiting their chances for enrollment or acceptance into prestigious universities or colleges. There are many solutions as to help our young men and women finish high school and continue with their education, such as progams like the Ladies of Distinction that I am participating in that will help our students strive for their very best. I cannot change the world, but I can help in some way and it has to start with their education because in the near future they will be the people we will have take care of us. There are many solutions to these problems, and one of them could be that the African American community and others might consider is to provide more opportunities for students to take the AP exam. This exam is quite expensive and if opportunities can be made available for students to receive scholarships to participate in taking AP exams, it would significantly offset the cost and perhaps increase interest in taking the exams. Another important point is that blacks need to pay more attention to student participation, particularly the practice sessions and taking the SAT.This is important because when we increase the participation of African American students in the SAT program and the AP program, we remove the threat of decreased participation in higher education among African Americans and other minority groups. In sum, the status of African Americans in higher education has generally improved–more African American students are enrolled, more students are taking the AP exam, more students are enrolled in AP courses. Throughout the nation there are many self- help programs such as the program I am participating in. Bill Cosby argued that inner-city parents did not spend adequate time enforcing the importance of education in the Black community. Some called him pompous and out of touch, but in all honesty he was correct in his assessment of the Black community. Unfortunately, African Americans trail practically every other ethnic group across the country when it comes to standardized tests. The high school drop out rates for African American males is approximately 50 percent and the incarceration rates for that group is approximately the same.  With all the unique challenges facing African-Americans, identifying just one problem as the most fundamental issue sounds like the beginning of a long, nuanced conversation The nation’s 10 million black children, burdened by severe and persistent effects of poverty,education, and discrimination, are in a state of “crisis,” according to black educators, social workers, and community leaders. The black community must produce a list of books that all black children should read and present that information to the Board of Education, as well as the community, at large. In order for education in the Black community to become something required and demanded, it is up to adults, from teachers to parents, to demand more from themselves.

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