Washington, DC, Dec. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UNCF today released a new study exploring the perspectives of teachers, school counselors and students on issues of college readiness and awareness of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Titled, Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Examining Teacher and School Counselor Strategies for College Readiness and HBCU Exposure for Students, the study revealed the need for greater HBCU exposure, intentional student data review to identify achievement gaps and anti-bias training for school counselors and teachers to promote fair and equitable treatment for all students.
A survey was conducted among nearly 150 students, teachers and school counselors of all races across seven high schools located in the Northeast, Midwest and West regions.
While most teachers and school counselors in the study reported they were knowledgeable about HBCUs, more than 60% of students surveyed indicated they were either not at all familiar or a little familiar with HBCUs. When asked how often their school counselors suggested attending an HBCU, over half (53%) of the students said that this never or rarely occurred. Similarly, 54% said that their school counselors never or rarely provided resources on attending an HBCU. Only 36% of students surveyed said they often or always discussed college options.
“The pivotal role of K-12 schools in shaping students’ college aspirations and preparedness cannot be overstated,” said Dr. Meredith B.L. Anderson, co-author and director, K-12 Research, Advocacy, UNCF. “Teachers and school counselors carry considerable influence in guiding students through the college application process.”
Another key finding of the study revealed teachers who examined disparities in their school’s data and encouraged the establishment of fair school policies for all students were also more inclined to support rigorous coursework and higher education opportunities for students of color. However, several instances of teacher bias regarding minority students’ post-secondary pathways were also found.
Ashlyn Thomas, M.Ed., co-author and research and engagement manager, UNCF, also suggested, “Intentional student data review among teachers and other school staff is also a critical way to ensure students are on the path to post-secondary success.”
“We believe the findings of this study will contribute to dismantling barriers surrounding higher education and perceptions of HBCUs and build bridges between schools, communities and HBCUs to enhance college access for all K-12 students,” said Dr. Tia Dolet, co-author and founder, Thirdspace Collective Consulting, LLC.
The study offered several recommendations for high schools, school districts and charter management organizations including:
- Provide more exposure to scholarships and financial opportunities for HBCU attendance.
- Provide training for teachers to review student data to identify gaps that may hinder college success.
- Engage school staff in anti-bias training as teacher perceptions of students may impact advising for college opportunities.
Additional recommendations for HBCUs were:
- Distribute financial aid and scholarship information to high schools.
- Share academic and other support resources available at HBCUs with the local community.
- Support K-12 schools with anti-bias training for teachers and staff.
Learn more about UNCF’s K-12 research at UNCF.org/k12advocacy.
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About UNCF
UNCF is one of the nation’s largest and most effective supporters of higher education and serves as a leading advocate for college-bound students. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support students' access to higher education, provide scholarships and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each year, UNCF awards more than 11,000 scholarships totaling more than $62 million. The scholarships support students attending more than 600 US-based colleges and universities including 37 UNCF-member HBCUs. Through its efforts, UNCF has helped generations of students to get to and through college. We believe a college education plays a vital role in fortifying the pipeline of leaders and professionals who contribute to the advancement of our society. Our logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and our widely recognized trademark is, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Instagram.
Roy Betts UNCF 240.703.3384 roy.betts@uncf.org
