By Zakiya Smith-Ellis, Bethany Little, Vasilisa Smith, Kelley Ditzel (HCM Strategists), Cristen Moore (HCM Strategists), Kristin Hulquist (HCM Strategists), Martha Snyder (HCM Strategists), Nicole Brown (HCM Strategists), and Francesca Carpenter (Achieving the Dream).

EducationCounsel, in collaboration with Achieving the Dream, Lumina Foundation, and HCM Strategists, co-authored this report in response to troubling rates of enrollment decline among Black learners in postsecondary education. The report, using data and personal stories from members of an Expert Advisory Committee of leaders in the postsecondary education space, analyzes some of the most pressing barriers facing Black learners and calls upon education leaders to commit to improving enrollment rates and outcomes for Black learners. The report lays out four core commitment areas for state and federal policymakers, institutions, and other educational organizations to consider to truly improve the postsecondary value proposition for Black learners. The commitments implore leaders to get REAL, and make progress in these key areas:

• Real transparency and true affordability
• Ensured success through shared ownership
• Academic and social supports that create a sense of belonging
• Learner-centered teaching practices for Black learners”