College Knowledge is Power: Supporting the Postsecondary Aspirations of Black Male Ninth Graders

Abstract

Research on young Black men often emanates from pathologizing deficit orientations. Using the High School Longitudinal Survey of 2009 (HSLS: 09), we analyze the postsecondary aspirations of ninth-grade Black men, examining them in light of their college knowledge and interactions with school counselors. We find that the aspirations of these students are high; however, their college knowledge is limited as well as their access to those persons often designated to support college choice processes—school counselors. Young Black men who talk to their school counselors about college are more likely to talk to their counselors about courses, careers, and personal problems. Implications for school-based policy and practice are addressed.