Rooted in Global Excellence

Empowering Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs)

Why are Nontraditional Researchers Needed?

Nontraditional researchers bring distinct benefits that contribute to more comprehensive, innovative, and effective outcomes.

What are the Benefits that Nontraditional Researchers Bring?

Innovation. Fresh Viewpoints and Unconventional Approaches that can Lead to Innovative solutions.
Diverse Insights, Unique Life Experiences, Cultural Backgrounds, and expertise that can shed light on different facets of a problem; this diversity of insights enriches the analysis and understanding of complex issues.
Complex Problem Exploration
Unexplored Opportunities that may identify overlooked opportunities or gaps in existing knowledge that may lead to scientific breakthroughs in research.
Reduced Groupthink
User Centered Design by prioritizing understanding end-user needs, leading to solutions that are more user friendly and aligned with real world requirements.
Cultural Sensitivity
Inclusive solutions
Adaptability, a valuable dynamic that enhances research due to the ability to change due to experiences navigating unconventional pathways.
Out-Of-the-Box-Thinking which challenges conventional methodologies and encourages the exploration of alternative research approaches that may potentially yield novel insights.
Resilience and Perseverance because of experience overcoming unique challenges.
Broadened Perspectives that broaden the scope of discussion and analyses leading to a more holistic understanding of and solutions that encompass a wider range of factors.
Real World Relevance with the ability to emphasize practical application and re-world impact, leading to research that directly addresses pressing issues and tangible problems.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Historically Black Colleges and Universities were established during a time of lawfully enforced racial segregation in America to educate African American students. HBCUs include 91 four-year and 17 two-year institutions of higher education established prior to 1964, for the primary purpose of educating African-Americans. The majority of the 102 HBCUs are located in the Southeastern states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands. HBCUs comprise 3% of America’s institutions of higher education, yet enroll 16% of all African-American students in higher education and award 24% of all baccalaureate degrees earned by African-Americans nationwide.

Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)

The first TCU was created on a remote reservation community on the Navajo Nation. They now exist throughout Native Country. The 35 public and private higher educational institutions provide a response to the higher education needs of American Indians, and generally serve geographically-isolated populations that have no other means of accessing education beyond the high school level. TCUs have become increasingly important to educational opportunity for Native American students, an importance they have achieved in a relatively brief period of time.

Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs)

HSIs are accredited, post-secondary, higher educational institutions with at least 25% total full-time enrollment of Hispanic undergraduate students. HSIs included four-year and two-year, public and private educational institutions. HSIs enroll 40% of all Hispanic-American students of higher education. There are 274 institutions of higher education defined as HSIs using the criteria defined by the White House Initiative and the Department of Education.

Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs)

The AAPI community is one of the fastest growing populations in the U.S. Projections indicate that by 2050 this population will double in size. As a result, the education of AAPIs will be critical in achieving the educational goals of the US.

Other Minority Serving Institutions

Predominately Black Institutions (PBIs)
Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTIs)
Alaska Native-Serving and Hawaiian-Serving (ANNHIs)

U.S. Department of the Interior

https://www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/doi-minority-serving-institutions-program