Landmark Detroit HBCU Pathways Report Unveils Road Map to Boost Student Success and Attract Talent Back Home
DETROIT, MI – A new, comprehensive report released today by Woods & Watts Effect (W&WE), and funded by The Kresge Foundation, delivers a crucial road map for strengthening the pipeline of Detroit students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The report, titled Detroit Export, HBCU Import: Detroit Students on the Yard and Back Home Again, is the culmination of an 18-month community engagement study initiative—the Detroit HBCU Pathways Project. It was spurred by previous data showing that an overwhelming 80% of Detroit students who chose to attend college out-of-state enrolled in an HBCU. The Foundation sought to understand the powerful drivers behind this trend and identify actionable strategies to support these students throughout their academic and professional journeys. The report also identifies critical areas for improvement and offers more than 20 specific recommendations to enhance Detroit’s HBCU ecosystem.
The project team, which included representatives from College Career & Beyond (CCB), conducted extensive community-based research with students, parents, alumni, counselors, university administrators and employers. Their work focused on five key areas: exposure and access, enrollment and matriculation, financial support, degree completion, and post-graduation return. Learnings extend across the entire HBCU ecosystem.
The research confirms that while Detroit has a robust group of individuals and organizations assisting students to access HBCUs, a framework and connected network is needed to improve quality and efficiency. Students shared their experiences accessing and attending HBCUs, including the benefits of being among “Black excellence.” As anticipated, students, parents and counselors discussed targeted financial aid and scholarships as essential for closing funding gaps beyond tuition and ensuring persistence to graduation. Parents and high school counselors also expressed a strong need for more education and programming on HBCUs. As students near graduation, they require assistance transitioning to careers through internships and mentorship, areas where local HBCU alumni are eager and ready to help. Finally, the research revealed that a concerted effort is necessary to actively encourage and facilitate the return of talented graduates to Detroit after earning their degrees.
“HBCUs have a transformative impact on the lives of Black students, and this report is a critical step in understanding how we can better support this pipeline,” said Bill Moses of The Kresge Foundation. “Our goal is to ensure that Detroit’s talented students can thrive at these institutions, then bring their skills back home to strengthen our city.”
Dr. Ashley Johnson of The Kresge Foundation added, “This research gives us a deep, data-driven understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Detroit students. The recommendations cover the entire student journey, from early exposure to postgraduate career opportunities, providing a clear roadmap for all stakeholders.”
“Our team had the privilege of listening to the voices of those who know this journey best—the students, parents, and educators in Detroit,” said Sommer Woods of Woods & Watts Effect and a graduate of Talladega College. Dr. Michele Lewis Watts, also of Woods & Watts Effect and an alum of North Carolina A&T State University, emphasized, “This report is more than just data; it is a call to action. We believe the recommendations will create a stronger, more intentional ecosystem of support for a community that is already choosing this powerful pathway.”
About Woods & Watts Effect (W&WE)
Woods & Watts Effect is a Detroit-based equity and inclusion consulting firm that works for a world in which people can show up – authentically and unapologetically – to participate and excel in all aspects of society. They are a solutions-driven team that adeptly assesses, designs, implements, educates and engages to achieve equity, inclusion and justice goals. More information is available at WoodsWattsEffect.com.
About The Kresge Foundation
The Kresge Foundation is a private, national foundation that works to expand equity and opportunities in America’s cities through grantmaking and social investing in arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services and community development, nationally and in Detroit, Memphis, New Orleans and Fresno. For more information visit kresge.org.
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