The graduation rate of African-American college students in the United States has traditionally been much lower than that of Caucasian students. But an innovative program at Loyola Marymount University is helping 40 new freshmen beat the odds.
The Learning Community at LMU assists students — many of whom are the first in their families to attend college — successfully make the transition from high school by providing academic support, teaching study skills and time management, promoting social engagement and leadership development. The program begins three weeks before the start of the fall semester when students move into the dormitories and continues through their LMU careers.
TLC was one of a number of programs that lead The Education Trust to identify LMU as among the most successful universities in the nation at reducing the graduation rate disparity between African-American students and their white counterparts. Nationally in 2010, the graduation rate for African-American students was 20 percentage points lower than that of Caucasian students. During that same period, the graduation rate gap for black students at LMU was only slightly more than one percent.
“We are very proud of our tradition of academic excellence and our commitment to helping all of our students succeed academically and graduate,” said David W. Burcham, president of LMU. “The Learning Community program is one of the contributors to our record of success.”
TLC received a $50,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation as part of its commitment to strengthening communities through the advancement of education.
“AT&T is pleased to partner with Loyola Marymount University and its innovative program The Learning Community,” said Anita Gabrielian, regional vice president-External Affairs. LMU is stepping-up to ensure all its students enter the workforce well-prepared to meet the challenges of a diverse, global economy.”
The 40 freshmen in this year’s program, who come from across the United States, are starting the final week of preparation before school starts on Aug. 29.
Dominique Charlot, 18, of Inglewood, Calif., said he hesitated before applying to TLC because it meant giving up part of his summer vacation. But the program’s schedule of classes, events, reading assignments and papers improved his time management skills. It also encouraged him to bond with fellow students and made him feel like part of a family. “Now I am grateful I came because it definitely prepared me,” said Charlot.
Fellow participant, 18-year-old Angelina Thomas of Minneapolis, Minn., agreed.
“Coming to this program was one of the best decisions I have made, and I’ve made some good decisions,” said Thomas. “It has been one of the best experiences I have had in my life because it’s helped me grow the most. Without this program, I would have felt very, very lost coming to LMU.””