SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union’s Post

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom on June 19, 1865. This day marks the end of slavery in the United States and is a testament to the enduring fight for freedom, equality, and justice. As we celebrate Juneteenth, it is essential to recognize the transformative power of education in this journey. Education has always been a cornerstone of progress, empowering individuals and communities to break the chains of ignorance and oppression. On this Juneteenth, let us reaffirm our commitment to: 📌Inclusive Education: Ensuring that our educational institutions celebrate diversity and provide equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their background. 📌Historical Awareness: Integrating African American history and the significance of Juneteenth into our curricula to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of our collective past 📌Empowerment through Knowledge: Supporting initiatives that provide educational resources and opportunities to underrepresented and underserved communities. 📌Promoting Critical Thinking: Encouraging students to think critically about history, social justice, and their roles in shaping a more equitable future. Together, we can honor the legacy of Juneteenth by championing education that uplifts and empowers every individual. Let us use this day to inspire action, foster understanding, and build a future where freedom and equality are truly realized for all. Happy Juneteenth!

We're excited to share our latest blog post on an important topic: The Impact of Black Studies Programs on University Campuses. This comprehensive analysis delves into how these programs are reshaping academic environments, fostering inclusivity, and enriching the educational experiences for all students. 🔍 Key Takeaways: • Cultural Enrichment: Learn how Black Studies programs bring diverse perspectives and histories into the academic curriculum. • Student Empowerment: Discover the positive effects on students' self-identity and community engagement. • Institutional Change: Understand how these programs are driving universities towards more inclusive and equitable practices. This blog is a must-read for educators, students, and anyone interested in the transformative power of inclusive education. Join the conversation and see how Black Studies programs are making a significant difference on campuses across the nation. 📖 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gHdw8UnT Let's celebrate and support the ongoing efforts to make education more inclusive and representative of all voices. #HigherEducation #BlackStudies #InclusiveEducation #UniversityImpact #DiversityAndInclusion #AcademicEnrichment #EducationReform #phdblog #phdblogger #dissertation #dissertationlife #dissertationproblems #dissertationtips #dissertationcoach #dissertationhelp #dissertationtime #dissertationresearch #phdlife

As we begin Black History Month, it is important for me to discuss how some states across the country have banned this topic from being taught in schools, which is not only detrimental to students of color, but all students. When it comes to history, past becomes prologue, so it is important that all students have the ability to learn about the rich contributions of Black Americans and the many obstacles we have overcome as a historically marginalized group. In no way is teaching Black history about guilting anyone, but instead it is focused on ensuring today’s youth know the shortcomings of this country’s past so they can avoid repeating them when they become our leaders of tomorrow. “While representation matters for Black students, it is also good for non-Black students. We can reduce stereotypes, eliminate prejudice and get rid of bias if kids who are not Black begin to hear affirming, positive stories about Black people, Black history and Black culture. So much misinformation exists, and that misinformation can lead to stereotyping, prejudice, racism or acts of discrimination.” – Tyrone Howard, UCLA Pritzker Family Professor of Education Ultimately, we must no longer segregate Black history to only one month a year when we acknowledge and celebrate it because Black history is American history. I encourage everyone to view the resources available from the Center for Racial Justice in Education in the link below and to share them with others in celebration of Black History Month. https://lnkd.in/eeAW53k9

As we continue to break barriers in higher education, we’re committed to making a difference where it matters most. As the #1 grantor of graduate degrees to Black students and the leading provider of graduate distance education in the U.S., our impact is undeniable. American University of the Caribbean and Ross University School of Medicine combined celebrated over 120 Black students securing residencies in 2024. Dive into the numbers and see how we're transforming futures and fostering diversity in #EducationUnlocked: https://lnkd.in/gExYgfft

We can't believe it is already Week 4 of HSI Month, ESCALA's celebration of HSI Week extended into Hispanic Heritage Month. Interact with this week's HSI Trivia post by liking and commenting your thoughts for a chance to win a prize from our HSI Tiendita. Answer: False! Latinx/é students should be centered at HSIs. At the same time, HSIs enroll a large proportion of other underserved student groups. In 2013-2014, HSIs enrolled a greater share of Black students in the U.S. than Historically Black Colleges and Universities (16% in HSIs compared to 10% at HBCUs) and a higher number of Native American students than Tribal Colleges and Universities. (14% in HSIs compared to 11% at TCUs). In addition, students in HSIs have many important intersectional identities, including racial diversity within the panethnic term "Latinx/é". HSIs also enroll a much higher proportion of first-gen, low-income part-time, and full-time employed students than non-HSIs. In this way, HSIs are a center of equitable work for many groups of underserved students. Visit our HSI Month page to register for upcoming programs and webinars, find references for HSI Trivia posts, and more! https://lnkd.in/ga7K94P7

“Black scholars SHOULD be running schools! Our HBCUs SHOULD be running schools!” - @citizenstewart Education enthusiasts, assemble! @citizenstewart and @blovesoulpower are back, and this time they’re dropping knowledge bombs about HBCUs and educational equity! The issue? Black scholars and HBCUs deserve a bigger seat at the education table. We need to reimagine education for Black students and teachers, and these institutions can be the key! Imagine lab schools like Chicago’s for white kids, but designed specifically for Black students and teachers! HBCUs are brimming with talent and expertise, waiting to be unleashed! Black educators shaping the next generation of Black leaders. Curriculum that reflects the richness of Black culture and history. This isn’t just a dream, it’s a necessity! Let’s amplify Black voices in education! Let’s harness the power of HBCUs and create learning spaces that nurture, empower, and celebrate Black brilliance! #BlackBrillianceAtTheBlackboard #HBCUsLeadTheWay #ReimagineEducation #BlackTeachersBlackLeaders #LabSchoolsForBlackExcellence #EquityInTheClassroom #ChrisAndCoryDroppingTruth #AmplifyBlackVoices #HBCURevolution #EducationForAll https://lnkd.in/e_sSVpjc

Today we have published a new report in partnership with Society of Black Academics (SBA) and Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) which highlights some of the issues Black academics face and our recommendations on how institutions can support them. The research conducted is a step forward to support the retention, progression, and promotion of Black Early-Career Academics. You can access the full report free on HEPI's website: https://lnkd.in/eQBBTuGG Dr Becca Franssen, PhD, Partner in our Education Practice and lead author of the report, says of our findings, "This report seeks to understand why, regardless of initiatives to address it, Black academics continue to be critically underrepresented at all levels in higher education. By understanding what universities are already doing, and building on their successes, we have been able to make a series of low-cost, easy-to-implement recommendations to help facilitate the progression and retention of Black academics." #DiversityAndInclusion #BlackAcademics #HigherEducation #HELeaders

There is a growing trend of principals leaving our urban schools. It’s becoming a serious issue, one that's affecting student outcomes significantly. 📈 Research shows that when a school loses its principal, it's not just a change in leadership; it represents a disruption in the educational continuity that our students desperately need. This exodus of school leaders from urban districts is particularly harmful to our most vulnerable students. Each departure can set back a school’s progress, impacting everything from daily operations to long-term strategic goals. The constant turnover forces schools to repeatedly rebuild their leadership structures, which can destabilize the learning environment and hinder student achievement. 🎯 Now, more than ever, urban school leaders need robust support and effective coaching. This support helps to manage the pressures of the job and navigate the complex challenges faced every day. It's crucial for maintaining your well-being and ability to be the change agent needed for your school. What can be done to support and stabilize leadership in our urban schools? 🎯 Invest in coaching to get the support and strategies that build resilience and promote sustained leadership Join me next Wednesday to learn more! ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eHxSQV_t

Yesterday, while working with a group of high school students, one asked me why today, June 19th, was a holiday. I happily told him, which led to a brief conversation about the end of slavery and self-emancipation. Conversations like this are exactly why I believe this holiday and other days of celebration and remembrance can be so important. In another conversation, I explained that I remember celebrating Juneteenth as a young child. I grew up in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and one thing that I always felt my parents and church family did well was make sure that young Black children learned African-American history. Especially then, but still too often today, this history is treated as separate from United States History instead of integral to it. I was somewhat surprised, but not entirely, when, in 2021, many people discussing the establishment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday said that they had never heard of it or suggested it was a new idea. It made me feel much better that several former students at the time sent me articles on the topic and said they definitely remembered learning this in my class. (A reminder that sometimes, students listen!) This is one of the reasons that I am back in grad school. While there are so many great teachers working every day to diversify their curriculum, present the whole history of our great nation, and make lessons relevant to students, they need the support and resources to do this. No student should leave high school without a full understanding of the ways in which African-American, women's, Latinx, Native American, and many other histories ARE American History. That current curriculum does not fully recognize this is certainly a flaw in the system, but I do not believe it to be a fatal flaw. In the meantime, I hope that everyone will continue to answer those questions from students and the children in their homes and churches. If they don't ask, start a conversation or take them to one of the many events designed to celebrate this history or museums dedicated to teaching often marginalized histories. Continue to teach children, no matter their race, our history and support those working to make important changes in education in our schools. #WeCannotAffordToDoLess

January 2024, The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education published a piece around the research of the U.S. Department of Education, highlighting the decline of Black school leaders over the past few years. They mentioned, "In the nation’s public schools, Black [school leaders] made up 10.4 percent of all principals. Black [school leaders] made up slightly 18.5 percent of all principals in urban schools (down from 20 percent in the 2017-18 school year) but only 9.8 percent of all principals in suburban schools and 4.6 percent of all principals at schools in rural areas. Black [school leaders] were 16.3 percent of all principals at public charter schools." Read the rest here: https://lnkd.in/g_eyv_Qg