Historically Black Colleges and Universities should continue to support the needs of both the African American and possibly the Hispanic (and afro-Hispanic) populations in the United States because these ethnic groups face many of the same socioeconomic situations and stereotypical setbacks. According to the U.S. Census Bureau in the year 2005 the average yearly income for African Americans was $31,101. There where 9,168 African Americans living below the poverty line, 24.7% of the African American population lives in poverty and 19.5% of that population has no healthcare. The average Yearly Income for the Hispanics in 2005 was $35,417. There where 9,368 Hispanics living below the poverty line, 22% of the Hispanic population lives in poverty and 32.6% of that population has no healthcare. These two ethnic groups are both subject to discouraging stereotypes as well. We often hear about both the African American and Hispanic populations being association with crime, gangs and **** as well as un-education and poverty. As a result the groups are often automatically believed to live in such a lifestyle as the one so often associated with their race becoming a setback for these ethnicities. In our society the African Americans and Hispanics seem to be at the root of the disadvantaged population facing many obstacles that may potentially damage the hope for a successful future. If they where to be provided with opportunity and a chance to gain accomplishment, they would be encouraged to move in a positive direction. So often ethnic groups subject to poverty, un-education, and disadvantage buy in to the belief that they will forever be subject to this lifestyle. Black Colleges and Universities for years have offered programs to encourage and engage the minority population. Now, more than ever, these Colleges and Universities are presented with a divine opportunity to make a difference within the African American and Hispanic communities. This is the solution; the Colleges and Universities should not only offer financial assistance fort the African American and Hispanics who wish to attend school, but do not attain the adequate funding to do so. Next they should offer a program that is not tied to any Degree program within the college; rather this program would provide courses in basic life skills. Classes in basic math, nutrition accounting, guidance, and communication would be offered in this program. Step two of this program will dig a little deeper giving anyone who completed the first part of this program successfully to then enter into a degree program through the College in which they would then further their education in a specific field. This two step program would allow inspiration and motivation within the students giving them a positive head start on life and granting opportunity to those who weren’t fortunate enough to move onto step two of the program. Though step two of this proposed system is seemingly important, it is step one that would be crucial to this underprivileged group. Step one would not only teach them important life skills, it would provide great opportunity in the advancement of their individual potentials. Even the slightest amount of inspiration in a positive direction can make the difference between a proven racial stereotype, and an ethnic achievement. This program through the Schools would create opportunities for underprivileged students to realize that the possible outcome of their future may in fact be very different from what they had originally fathomed. Today the young African American and Hispanic populations are hungry for involvement in something meaningful. If they where to be involved in positive programs such as this one, then they would be able to challenged. Through challenges achievement will be reached, and through achievement, inspiration will occur. Inspiration is the key to success, and success id the definition of a positive future. Historically Black Colleges and Universities primary goal has always been the betterment of African Americans as well as those ethnicities that are subject to the same social, economical, and financial disadvantages as they face. It is the duty of these Colleges and Universities to create opportunity within these groups. Education is merely a seed within the many steps that are taken in life. But without the seed would the tree ever grow? Education is the seed within the students, and the students are the seeds within the structure. They must be encouraged to grow. We must teach our young students that hey do not have to be the stereotype; they do not have to continue in the same circle of un-education, poverty, and discouragement. Rather they can take this opportunity to succeed; not only inspiring themselves, but family, friends, and communities as well. Our seedlings may sprout on their own, but with your help they can grow, reach their full potential, and thrive
