360 Degree Development Institute, Inc.

College debt has a disproportionately negative impact on Black families and borrowers in the United States.

As U.S. leaders gain a greater understanding of the problem, it is increasingly important for families of color to understand how to navigate the higher education application process. Known widely as the 'value/achievement gap', the long term effects of this chasm can be felt across many generations of students of color -- more specifically those of African descent.

Since the birth of 360 Degree Development in 2010, the black-white value/achievement gap has remained essentially flat nationwide. It is estimated that the effects of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic will challenge families and students of color economically and educationally for the next generation. Narrowing gaps in education access and financial success beyond enrollment, will continue to be a major focus of our work.

In our continuing effort to collaborate with community partners on educational issues driven by the value/achievement gap, 360 Degree Development offers strategies and programs that can be deployed to help narrow these disparities.

360 is hosting this website, in part, as a portal for useful and quality education/ financial information. This information has been culled from websites throughout the nation.

Further, you will find information on additional services and programs that the 360 Development Institute offers.

About Our Founder

Tanya Madison Morrison, ESQ
360 Development Institute is the ultimate brainchild of Tanya Madison Morrison who created 360 Degree Women, a support vehicle for women, in 2007. She believed all people need stimulation to be their best selves and should never be put in a niche or restricted. She believed a person should take part in every aspect of life and it was her life-mission to help them do so.

She didn't just challenge you and walk away, she helped others find their voice. She was always there, chatting about what you were doing and adding fuel to the fire, pushing it.

Tanya was not just our leader but one of the most courageous persons we have ever known. In 2017, Tanya lost her battle with lung cancer, but her presence as a intuitive, fluid, thought-leader is forever infused within the personality and spirit of 360 Development Institute.

Her work continues.

Our Goal

To move beyond the rhetoric and actually assist non-profit and for profit organizations with creating and maintaining community programs that promote college and career readiness during the transition from secondary to post-secondary school. We also provide financial literacy on how to fund a college degree. 360 Degree Development Institute focuses on several educational and community development organizations throughout Washington DC, Raleigh, NC and Atlanta GA.

Our Vision

By 2025, to see a quantifiable closure in the value/achievement gap for post-secondary students of color. Additionally, to remain important participants in the national discussion on racially motivated disparities that exist in communities of color. We recognize that institutionalized racism must be directly confronted and that through education, it begins with having a seat at the table in the development of policy, funding and programs.

The

Challenge

The

STATS

It's a numbers game. While African-Americans are catching up to their white counterparts in terms of college enrollment, there has been less progress in closing the overall value/achievement gap during the transition from secondary to post-secondary education. There's much work ahead, but 360 Development WILL make a difference.

Post - Secondary enrollment and degree attainment

90%

According to a 2016 U.S. News and World Report, 90 percent of black students receive a federal loan, non-federal or PLUS loans by their fourth year in college compared to only 65 percent of white students nationally.

-21%

Between 2010 and 2018, African-American undergraduate enrollment decreased by 21% (from 2.7 million students to 2.1 million students). It is estimated that this enrollment number will continue to drop post COVID19.
10%

Historically black colleges and universities (HBCU’s) are more susceptible to economic strain due to much smaller endowments than primary white institutions (PWI). If the endowments of all 105 HBCUs were combined, they would still amount to less than 10 percent of Harvard University's endowment (an estimated $30 billion) which is the wealthiest of any college in the world.

52.1%

Black students have the lowest persistence rate in higher education. On average just over half of black students return to their starting institution (52.1 percent) and an additional 14.1 percent continue at a different institution largely in part due to financial strain.
4Yr

In 2019, 29% of African Americans aged 25 to 29 held a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 45% of whites aged 25 to 29 during the same year.

FED

In the 2015-2016 academic year, 71% of African American students took out federal student loans, compared with 56% of white students.

Sources:

REPORT: "The Condition of Education 2020." U.S. Department of Education, May 2020. Accessed June 2020.

REPORT: "Digest of Education Statistics: 2019." National Center for Education Statistics. 2020. Accessed June 2020.

REPORT: "National Postsecondary Student Aid Study: 2016 Undergraduates." National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education. Accessed January 2020.

REPORT: "Status and Trends in the Education of Racial and Ethnic Groups 2018." U.S. Department of Education, February 2019.

Resources

Federal, state, and local initiatives are shifting to increase minority enrollment and success so the value/achievement gap can be closed. College-seeking minorities (specifically those of African descent) should tap into all available resources. Below you will find a sampling of national resources to begin the journey towards a student’s chosen profession.

Upward Bound

The U.S. Department of Education’s program takes high school students either from low-income families or with parents who do not have a bachelor’s degree and helps them prepare for their higher education pursuits.

Office of Postsecondary Education—Programs

This U.S. Department of Education office lists programs and colleges related to Native American, black, Asian and other minority students’ interests and needs.

College Access Challenge Grant Program

This DOE program’s grant services include preparing low-income students for success in higher education and provides career prep, financial prep, FAFSA assistance or student loan assistance.

Gates Millennium Scholars Program

The scholarship program aims to financially assist qualified minorities to complete degrees in the fields of computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health and the sciences, where minority populations are underrepresented.

National Pan-Hellenic Council

The council is a collection of historically minority-based Greek sororities and fraternities that aim to provide a sense of community, strive for academic excellence and give back to the community.

National Society of Black Engineers

Black undergrad and grad student engineers qualify for the student membership option of NSBE, which assists with college prep and hosts scholarships, networking and events.

Historically Black Colleges & Universities

Find a list of HBCUs on the U.S. Department of Education website. HBCUs are accredited universities that provide an education to students of all races but with specific history and programs that benefit African-Americans.

Pell Grant

The federal Pell Grant program awarded through the U.S. Department of Education is a needs-based grant that allocates money based partially on housing and living expenses, in addition to other schooling-related costs.

HELP FOR COLLEGE NOW

This is an affordable ONE STOP SHOP. This smart collection of college planning coaches has been around for over a decade. They first came on our radar in 2007 when they were among the pioneers of college planning in the virtual space. The company offers one-on-one College Coaching, essay writing assistance, financial aid guidance, and support in all areas leading to college acceptance and reduction of college costs.

FASTWEB

This site is oriented towards helping students search for scholarships, but it will also help you find colleges that may interest you.

SYLVAN IN-HOME

Sylvan In-Home easily connects families who want high-quality educators with talented, local tutors who’ve gone through their thorough evaluation and background check process. For over 40 years, Sylvan Learning has helped more than 4 million students get results through their 750+ locations. Now Sylvan In-Home tutors are specially trained to bring their proven process right to your door. Sylvan-certified tutors offer the best in teaching methods and interactive technology, so your child feels fully engaged and gets the exact learning he or she needs.

MATHNASIUM

Mathnasium helps kids in grades 1-12 understand math by teaching the way that makes sense to them. When math makes sense, kids leap way ahead – whether they started out far behind or already ahead in math. Their formula for teaching kids math has transformed the way kids learn math for over a decade across 1,000+ centers in the US and Canada.

Connect

With

Us

Use the information below to contact us, submit an organization or resource for our listing, or discover more about our programs.

Email: CollegeActionNow1@gmail.com