HBCU’s Position in History
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are pinnacles of the American academic ecosystem. Initially, HBCU’s were created to desegregate higher academia for young, Black pupils post-civil rights movement. Today, HBCUs such as Howard University, Florida A&M, Tuskegee University, and more are household names synonymous with Black excellence. HBCUs make up only three percent of the country's colleges and universities, but enroll 10% of all African American students and produce almost 20% of all African American graduates." - (UNCF). Our very own CEO of Uvii, Kimberly Gray, pursued her undergraduate degree at Howard University, making her one of the very few women of color to enter and excel in the technology industry. HBCU’s main priority has always been to provide an avenue to post-secondary education unafforded by segregation. As a result of this commitment, they are among the most significant upward socioeconomic mobility engines in the United States.
Bridging the Gap in Education
College is expensive, we all know that. But why is it more costly for Black households? The student debt crisis is at a peak right now, with over 1.3 trillion dollars in loans and almost ⅙ of the American population being held, the victim. One in every two black Americans who have pursued higher education is currently in debt. HBCUs have attempted to reduce student-invented debt by capital campaigns and scholarships from alumni and federal opportunities such as Pell Grants.
Throughout the latter half of the 19th century to the late 20th, economic barriers to attending college have constantly burdened minority and high-needs populations. Even without the physical campus, students face digital divides that are still overwhelmingly skewed toward minorities.
With mobile learning, we bring the classroom to you. We understand what it means not to have access to direct transit, not reach your professors for help due to more dire commitments, and we know not being able to go to school during a traditional school day. Where social media crosses with a free-range educational platform, students have a direct line of contact with their professors. Here at Uvii, we work every day to provide on-demand learning and quality relationships between students and professors for a fraction of the cost.
Carving your Identity
A large part of education is the content being who you are and knowing what type of learner you are is a critical factor in successful teaching. HBCUs have strived to make a campus rooted in faith, culture, community, and ambition. HBCU’s hold their student’s character in high esteem and believe that young students truly shape the future society we live in. The human connection part of the university experience is sometimes lost in digital learning. With more intervention required to engage students and measure learning, institutions cannot neglect accessibility and individualized learning. A large part of education is understanding how you learn. This was the inspiration for Uvii’s social media to meet academic ambition. Uvii is here to make learning a portal where you can be authentically yourself with your professors and peers without the pressures of being in a classroom.