“To go to college, or not to go to college; finances are the issue.” Kabrina Gardner

Of all racial groups reported in the Census, African-Americans consistently have the lowest income level regardless of which income bracket is considered. More than half of African-American households make less than $35,000 a year. Twenty-two percent of African-Americans between the ages of 18 to 64 fall below the poverty threshold. For African-Americans under the age of 18, that percentage soars to over 35 percent.

For African-Americans combating financial struggles, college comes secondary to survival. Teens raised in these types of environments are more likely to experience issues regarding premature pregnancy, drug related issues, homicide and low educational attainment. For these individuals, college may not be a plausible option; however, donations to scholarships that focus on assisting African-Americans to acquire a post-high school education can make all the difference. Research suggests that the income level that one is born into is likely to be the income level that one remains in throughout his or her life, but it is time for us to break that cycle. The younger generations of African-Americans do not have to be subjected to poverty and constant financial struggles; they can obtain an education and start anew, but they need YOUR help. The Black Alumni Society of the University of Arkansas asks you to “Think Back, Look Back, Come Back and Give Back.” Please join us in supporting our young African-Americans students in their struggles to become educated.

In an effort to better serve our students, BAS has come up with two goals that can only be achieved through a community effort. Our first goal is to raise $1 million for the BAS Endowed Scholarships. We do not want to have to turn down another student that needs financial assistance. Our second goal is $3 million to build an African-American center on campus. We want our students to have a place that they can call home on “The Hill!” Please support the BAS Challenge Scholarship and, together, we can change these statistics! These students are our future and are a reflection of us. Let’s help them achieve and become all that they can!

For questions, comments or concerns about anything in this article contact:
Angela Mosley Monts at ammonts@uark.edu or Kabrina Gardner at kamey@uark.edu.