Research to Examine the Impact of Scholarships on Black Students

By Neil Armstrong

Photo contributed   Dr. Carl James, Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora in the Faculty of Education, York University

A research study on the impact of scholarships on Black students’ access to, retention in, and completion of post-secondary education is aiming to reach 800 to 1,000 scholarship recipients to complete an online survey by the end of February.

Led by Dr. Carl James, Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora in the Faculty of Education at York University and principal investigator, the purpose of the study is to explore the experiences of Black post-secondary education (PSE) students, “noting the extent to which the community strategy of providing scholarships has helped them not only to access PSE, but also in their retention and successful completion of their PSE.”

Although its target number is as many as 1,000 scholarship recipients over a 10-year period (2008-2018), only 115 students have completed the survey so far. The aim is to have 100 recipients represented from each of those years over that period.

The study seeks to examine the role scholarships play in the post secondary education aspirations, academic performance, and educational and career outcomes of Black students across Ontario, with a focus on the Greater Toronto Area, Hamilton, Ottawa and Windsor.

“We hope the findings from this study will help us construct a better understanding of how we can improve the outcomes of Black students in post-secondary institutions,” says Dr. Nemoy Lewis, postdoctoral research fellow in the Faculty of Education and the lead researcher of the study.

He says to date, there has been very little research that has explored how scholarships have worked in the life course of Black students; and organizations that award these scholarships have not had the resources, financial and personnel to conduct such research.

“Therefore, we hope this research will serve as an advocacy tool that will not only work to significantly enhance the educational opportunities and life chances of Black youth, but also provide insights into their educational and career experiences, trajectories, and outcomes generally.”

Photo contributed   Dr. Nemoy Lewis, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Faculty of Education, York University

They are inviting students to participate in this research study by completing a brief survey on their experience with scholarships.

 The survey will ask questions about students’ high school and post-secondary education; scholarships received; current employment situation; and, about their parents’ education and occupation. It will not ask for their name, but will ask for their age, gender, and ethnic origin.

To be eligible students must: self-identify as Black (i.e. of African descent regardless of place of birth), have graduated from an Ontario high school, and received a scholarship for PSE between 2008 and 2018

Since September, the researchers have been working with various community scholarship providers to assist them in getting the word out about the study through their newsletters and posting information regarding the study on their social media platforms. They also attended various community events to promote the research.

Community organizations, like the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA), Black Business and Professional Association and United Achievers’ Club, have provided scholarships to students for many years.

“Dr. James’ groundbreaking research is important because for the first time, the community will document the impact organizations and donors have on many Black youth and their families; enable us to reflect on the things we have done well and lessons learned; and articulate and quantify our collective efforts at supporting youth. It is my hope that the research will also help to change the often negative narrative and perceptions about Black youth,” says Adaoma Patterson, president of the JCA.

She notes that the organization has been providing and facilitating the awarding of scholarships to black students for sixteen years.

“I am so proud that JCA is able to play a role in providing financial support and showcasing the many young men and women who excel, contribute to their communities and lead by example.”

She said scholarship awards and initiatives illustrate “the belief by many leaders in our community such as Dr. Ezra Nesbeth, retired professor Erma Collins, Dr. Mary Anne Chambers, Humber College, the JCA past presidents and many more that increased access to education is a key factor in the success of our youth. Their generosity and mentorship serves as a testament to the fact that we must lift as we climb and reach back when we succeed.”

The researchers note that survey participants will be eligible to win one of ten $50 gift cards.

“With your permission, you may be asked to participate in a follow-up focus group interviews (group discussion of 8-12 people) and/or individual interview,” states a letter about the research study to potential participants.

The link to the online survey is: http://edu.yorku.ca/blackscholarships

[This story was published in the North American Weekly Gleaner, Jan. 24-30, 2019.]