Black Students’ College Preferences: The Role of the White Racial Frame in Perpetuating Integration

Abstract

Much research has found support for the perpetuation hypothesis, which predicts that the racial contexts that youth grow up in direct them into analogous situations and institutions in their futures. However, there is a lack of qualitative research that examines how Black students make meaning of their high school racial context when making their college application decisions. Drawing upon interviews and observational data with 48 Black students at two racially diverse high schools, I examine Black students’ college preferences to understand the mechanisms behind integration perpetuation. My data show that Black students vary in how they make meaning of their high school contexts. In contrast to the predictions of the perpetuation hypothesis, some embrace the idea of attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs); however, others want to attend diverse colleges like their high schools. I highlight how the white racial frame, embedded within the context of racially diverse high schools, may influence college racial composition preference.

Application of the Model of Integrated Learning to Colleges: A Review

“…The integration of industry and education is also emphasized as a strategy to enhance talent training and improve local undergraduate institutions (Jiang & Chen, 2018;Jiang et al, 2018). Research supports the idea that students who attend integrated schools are more likely to transition into integrated colleges, workplaces, and neighborhoods (Holland, 2020) The integration of technology, such as artificial intelligence, into college education is viewed as a way to enhance traditional teaching methods and improve student engagement (Han, 2019). By leveraging computer technology and artificial intelligence, colleges can reform their English teaching methods to make learning more interactive and tailored to individual student needs.…”

“…School counselors play a crucial role in shaping college opportunity structures and college-going culture by providing guidance on college preparation, financial aid assistance, and college information sessions (Bryan et al, 2021). Integrated schooling in colleges aims to provide a comprehensive educational experience for students by combining academic, social, and industry integration (Holland, 2020).…”