NORTH CAROLINA HBCU'S COACHING PROGRAM IMPROVES PERSISTENCE AND ACADEMIC OUTCOMES
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Posted By: Catalina Deossa on July 25, 2024 Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), a prominent Historically Black University located in Charlotte, North Carolina, has announced significant outcomes from a collaborative effort with nonprofit InsideTrack and UNCF to enhance first-year student retention. The initiative, launched in Fall 2023, provided each incoming first-year student with a dedicated success coach, resulting in a notable 3% increase in student persistence from Fall 2023 to Spring 2024. JCSU, renowned for its commitment to serving a diverse student body where 78% identify as Black or African American, partnered with InsideTrack, a nonprofit specializing in student success coaching, and UNCF (United Negro College Fund) to implement this comprehensive support program. The goal was to bolster retention rates and ensure students receive personalized guidance throughout their academic journey. Dr. Valerie Kinloch, president of JCSU, emphasized the university's dedication to not only facilitating access to higher education but also providing the necessary support for students to achieve their educational and career goals. The success coaching program exemplifies JCSU's holistic approach to student development, focusing on creating seamless pathways from enrollment to graduation and beyond. During the initial phase of the partnership, which began in June 2023, nearly all first-year students engaged with their success coach, with 80% meeting with their coach at least twice. These interactions proved instrumental in helping students clarify academic, career, and personal goals, as well as identifying and overcoming potential obstacles. Academically, the impact was significant, with 47% of freshmen engaged in coaching earning a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and 80% achieving a GPA of 2.0 or higher. This underscores the effectiveness of personalized coaching in fostering academic success and student retention. The success of the initiative reflects a broader trend within HBCUs, which are increasingly recognized for their supportive environments and commitment to student success. Despite economic challenges in higher education, HBCUs are experiencing renewed interest from students, donors, and communities due to their rich educational experiences and strong sense of community. The partnership between JCSU, InsideTrack, and UNCF is part of a larger effort to enhance HBCU student enrollment and success through tailored coaching and support services. By leveraging InsideTrack's evidence-based coaching methodology, JCSU aims to build a sustainable in-house coaching program over time, further enhancing its ability to support student success. This initiative aligns with JCSU's broader strategy to improve student outcomes through data-driven insights and comprehensive support programs. By focusing on understanding the complex factors influencing student success, JCSU aims to continue improving retention rates and preparing students for successful careers and lifelong learning. The collaboration underscores the transformative impact of personalized coaching in higher education, particularly within HBCUs, and highlights JCSU's leadership in fostering student achievement and persistence. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Catalina Deossa
Archaeologist, CHRONOS SAS Florida Int`l Univ class of 2011 Member Since April 2024 |
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