Identifying Underrepresented Groups to Create an Action Plan for Career Services
Diversity and inclusion in higher education are essential to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Unfortunately, there are still large populations of could-be students with untapped talents and career aspirations across the United States. These underrepresented groups may never have an opportunity to explore higher education.?
It is critical for career services professionals to identify these groups and create an action plan to connect with these individuals effectively.
To build meaningful relationships with underrepresented groups of students, we need to first understand who they are and explore the factors that contribute to underrepresentation.
Identifying Underrepresented Groups
These individuals are historically not well-represented in higher education. In fact, some of these groups were infrequently admitted to colleges and universities until the last century. These populations could include people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, first-generation college students, immigrants, and individuals from low-income families.?
Despite the first African American having earned a bachelor's degree from an American university in 1823, college attendance rates are shockingly low for students of color. According to recent Pew Research Center data , Hispanic (32%) and Black (33%) Americans are among the least likely to attend college or earn a Bachelor’s degree.
It’s clear a lack of adequate support for low-income populations is still highly prevalent across campuses as well, despite efforts to promote funding to create a more inclusive education experience.?
A report by the American Council on Educatio n found only 11% of low-income students earn a bachelor's degree within six years, compared to 55% of high-income students. And nationally, only 51% of low-income students will graduate at all.
Factors that Contribute to Underrepresentation
Several factors contribute to underrepresentation in college. Financial barriers, lack of access to resources, cultural and social barriers, and stereotyping and discrimination are all factors that can make it difficult for underrepresented groups to succeed in college.?
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What can Career Services Professionals do to Connect with Underrepresented Groups?
Career services professionals can play a critical role in connecting with underrepresented groups and setting these students up with the resources they need to graduate and find rewarding careers. The first step is to understand the unique needs of these groups and tailor outreach efforts accordingly.?
Career services professionals can use inclusive language and messaging when reaching out to these groups and offer programs and services tailored to their specific needs. It’s important to understand how college recruiters are sourcing new students. Collaboration with other campus organizations can be beneficial in promoting diversity and inclusion.
In addition to these efforts, career services professionals can also provide mentorship and networking opportunities for underrepresented groups. Resources like CareerShift can help level the playing field. Career service professionals can help students and families from underrepresented groups feel supported and connected to the campus community, which can positively impact academic success.?
Finally, career services pros should evaluate and improve outreach efforts regularly to ensure that they are effective in connecting with underrepresented groups. Communications and opportunities should be accessible for everyone. So consider people who may not be able to afford travel for certain campus and career opportunities, those who may not have mobile devices, social media accounts, or steady home addresses.
Conclusion
Identifying underrepresented groups and creating an action plan to connect with them effectively is essential in promoting diversity and inclusion in higher education. Career services professionals play a critical role in this effort and can help bridge the gap between underrepresented groups and available resources.
By understanding the unique needs of these groups, using inclusive language and messaging, offering tailored programs and services, and providing mentorship and networking opportunities, career services professionals can positively impact the academic success of underrepresented groups.
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