HBCU AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES
Public Allies North Carolina developed the HBCU Pipeline Initiative to provide a gap year for students who have stopped out of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Community Colleges. This initiative offers participants the ability to enhance their leadership skills, while building the capacity of our partner organizations across North Carolina. Upon successful completion of our Signature Apprenticeship Program we support their return to college and the AmeriCorps networks provides program graduates with an education award. The ideal candidate is economically disadvantaged, age 17-24, unemployed within 6 months prior to program enrollment, has not obtained a 2 or 4 year degree, and/or men of color; particularly African-American and Latino males.
THE NUMBERS
In North Carolina, students who attend HBCUs have a 35 % graduation rate over six years. This staggers in comparison to the average graduation rate of 53% across other institutions in North Carolina. Although HBCUs serve on average a smaller population of students, the attrition rates are double that of other institutions. Public Allies' focus is to increase graduation rates and decrease attrition costs of HBCUs and Community Colleges across the state.
THE SOLUTION
Our Allies receive 1-2-1 coaching, leadership development and help to build capacity for their assigned partner organization. Public Allies commits to serve Allies for two years to better prepare them for leadership. In the first year, Allies complete the apprenticeship program. In the second year, Public Allies offers college success support through monthly coaching, monthly engagement, partnership and referrals for academic, personal and safety net supports.
Partner organizations reduce employment costs and build capacity by hosting an Ally.
Institutions that join our network reduce attrition rates and increase graduation rates when their referred student completes our Signature Apprenticeship Program and successfully re-enroll.
Our HBCU Impact Report will provide an analysis of this pipeline initiative and its effects on the students and universities.
JOIN US
We believe that communities already have the leadership they need to create lasting social change.
REFERRING A
STUDENT
When referring a young adult to our leadership program, you are bringing them one step closer to becoming leaders within their community. Persons referred to our Signature Apprenticeship Program complete the same application process as non-pipeline referrals.
Once a referral is submitted, a member of our team will contact the potential candidate within 72 hours to discuss our program and share the opportunities of being a part of Public Allies.
IMPACT
Our goal with the HBCU Pipeline Initiative is to change the narrative of the lives of students who stop out of school. Public Allies seeks to bridge the gap for students who want to return to higher education. The process of stopping out of school does not have to be the final step for students.
Partnerships between Public Allies North Carolina and North Carolina based HBCUs and Community Colleges can be extended to all students who have stopped out or are in risk of stopping out of school. Apply to become a partner today!
