Rate this HBCU Day 30: J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College

[DrBanneker]

Previously we covered Coppin State University which received an average score of 7.2

See the updated leaderboard here

Today we return to Huntsville (as we did with Alabama A&M) to look at a HBCU community college, J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College Founded as a vocational school for Black students in 1961, it originally seems that it may have been another option to maintain segregation in the state. However, only six years later in 1967 it was desegregated and was the first segregated vocational school in the US to do so.

J.F. Drake stands out here (and in the Analytics thread) as having the lowest 6 year graduation rate amongst all HBCUs---only 8%. However, one must keep in mind several factors. First, over 80% of its students come from households considered in poverty (under $30k) and 71% of them attend school part-time; probably in addition to a full-time job. The 8 year graduation rate goes up to 19% but it seems like many commuter vocational schools most students don't finish.

However, the school may see some improvements in the future, partially due to a $1.2M grant from NASA received in 2021 to improve STEM programs.


Founded: 1961

City, State: Huntsville, AL

Type: 2-Year, Public

Nickname: Eagles

Enrollment and percent Black enrollment: 872, 64% Black

Part-time student percentage: 71%

First Generation Student Percentage: 59%

Percentage of students from households under $30k/over $100k: 83%/NA

Out of State Percentage: 5%

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1

Admissions Acceptance Rate: Open admissions

4-yr/6-yr/8-Yr graduation rates: 4% / 8%/ 19%

Transfer out rate: 16%

Male/Female percentages (Female:Male Ratio): 57% male / 43% female (1.3:1)

Tuition: In-State: $4.8k, Out-of-State: $8.5k

Median Debt After Graduation: N/A
Median Earning 10-Years after 10 years from freshman year: $26,169

Median Earnings for specific majors after 3 years after graduation:
Medical Assistant/LPN - $43k

Top Majors by Degrees:

Manufacturing technology, medical assisstant/LPN, business administration, culinary arts

Endowment: N/A

Alumni Engagement: N/A

Athletic Conference: N/A

Mascot: N/A


Notable Alumni: N/A

Patricia Sims (president) in the auto tech training garage

Miss JF Drake

@ab.aspectus @Originalman @#1 pick @Ziggiy @SupaVillain @Tug life @Idaeo @get these nets @MostReal @Bryan Danielson @Rollie Forbes @Willie Lump Lump @staticshock @Charlie Hustle @BigAggieLean. @Optimus Prime @How Sway? @DropTopDoc @Anerdyblackguy

 

[Chrishaune]

THE Drake State





It's a place you can get your life together.

I'll give it an 8 for that.

 

[Squirrel from Meteor Man]

Seems like a part time commuter school that happens to be a black college. I’ll give it a 6 for the technical programs and being a viable option for those looking for a trade or those without grades for a 4-year

 

[42 Monks]

To follow up on the grad rate - from what I understand, they lean more towards certifications and stuff training courses than whole degrees. Which for a lot of people can be more than enough to get our feet back underneath you.

Never heard anything particularly bad about the place.

 

[Big Boss]

i say 8

 

[Rollie Forbes]

THE Drake State





It's a place you can get your life together.

I'll give it an 8 for that.

That's a great endorsement, actually.

 

[get these nets]

Good profile of the school. In the analytics thread, I think I saw that it was also the one with the highest percentage of 1st generation enrolled in college. That plays as much of a factor as household poverty level, in my opinion.

During past threads about for-profit colleges and the scandals/scams attached to them, we pointed out that Community Colleges would have been a more practical choice. Accredited, have relationships with employers, and majors tailored to industry needs. Not having family members or people in circle who pursued higher education leaves you at a disadvantage when you are navigating school/career options. Steep learning curve.

I think that ties into the bad completion rates here. These are working adults who are trying to improve themselves and perhaps don't have the resources or support to do what they set out to do.

Glad that this school exists, as an option. They could be doing a better job with academic/career counseling for their students, though.

 

[DropTopDoc]

Never heard of it, but needs to be heard of more

 

[get these nets]

Drake State and Miles College sign MOU to help students succeed - Drake State Community & Technical College

FAIRFIELD, Ala. – Miles College and Drake State Community & Technical College have partnered to create scholarship opportunities and pathways to earning a bachelor’s degree. The institutions’ presidents signed an […]

drakestate.edu

Drake State and Miles College sign MOU to help students succeed​

May 30, 2023.


FAIRFIELD, Ala. – Miles College and Drake State Community & Technical College have partnered to create scholarship opportunities and pathways to earning a bachelor’s degree. The institutions’ presidents signed an articulation agreement today at Miles College.
The agreement has four components, including a collaborative and seamless transfer process, scholarship eligibility, reverse transfer credit, and student services.
“Drake State and Miles College give students from underserved and marginalized communities a chance to succeed,” said Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims. “We are honoring our commitment to equitably level the playing field while encouraging students to pursue their educational goals beyond an associate degree. No more barriers. This agreement enables students to seamlessly transfer credits between two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).”
Drake State Community & Technical College students will be considered for admission to Miles College after earning an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science with up to a maximum of 64 semester hours transferring. Additionally, Drake State students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.The new partnership will provide reciprocal privileges for using Miles College’s Library Resource Center, College, and Career Center and admission to athletic events. There are also opportunities for advising from both Drake State and Miles College.
“As we continue to create these meaningful partnerships I am excited for the future of our students and Miles College. We should be building our enrollment at every institution in the state as we have to ensure we are preparing our students for this society. We are delighted to sign this memorandum of understanding with Drake State Community & Technical College and look forward to the partnership ahead.” said Bobbie Knight, J.D., President of Miles College.

 

[get these nets]

Alabama’s six Historically Black Community Colleges, including Drake State, accepted into Thurgood Marshall College Fund - Drake State Community & Technical College

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Residents who choose to attend any of Alabama’s six historically black community colleges (HBCCs), including Drake State Community & Technical College, will now have access to more […]

drakestate.edu

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Alabama’s six Historically Black Community Colleges, including Drake State, accepted into Thurgood Marshall College Fund​

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Written on June 7, 2023.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Residents who choose to attend any of Alabama’s six historically black community colleges (HBCCs), including Drake State Community & Technical College, will now have access to more scholarships and professional development opportunities through a prestigious national partnership.
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) announced a resolution Tuesday that establishes the following colleges as members: Bishop State, Drake State, Gadsden State, Lawson State, Shelton State, and Trenholm State community colleges. Named after the U.S. Supreme Court’s first black justice, TMCF is a nationally recognized nonprofit membership organization that supports more than 50 historically black colleges and universities.

“I am grateful to have represented our six Historically Black Community Colleges within the Alabama Community College System,” said Drake State Dr. Patricia Sims. “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund leadership team for their visionary excellence. This partnership solidifies our position as a leading two-year HBCC institution, and we look forward to collaborating with TMCF and its esteemed partners to cultivate the next generation of talented leaders and innovators. Together, we will continue to impact our community, the nation, and the world.”
Alabama’s HBCCs are the first historically black community colleges to be inducted into TMCF. To date, TMCF has provided more than $300 million in scholarships, programmatic and capacity-building support to its member schools and students.
“Adding community colleges to our membership is part of an intentional move toward a more inclusive talent strategy. A four-year degree is one path but not the only path to career success,” said TMCF President & CEO Dr. Harry L Williams.
“HBCCs play a critical role in local and regional economic development by offering workforce upskilling and reskilling programs. HBCCs across the country offer associate degrees and industry-recognized certificates and credentials that can launch students into the workforce to fill skilled positions that offer good pay without the requirement of a bachelor’s degree. HBCCs also offer students the ability to obtain core, academic credits that can be transferred to a four-year university for a bachelor’s degree.”
Alabama is home to more HBCCs and HBCUs than any other state. Alabama’s Historically Black Community Colleges collectively contribute more than $600 million to the state’s economy and support more than 9,000 jobs, according to an independent economic impact study. Drake State graduates have contributed $37.1 million to the regional economy, and for every dollar invested in the college, taxpayers gain $2.30 in added tax revenue and public sector savings.
“Alabama’s community colleges exist to be a pillar of community for students of all backgrounds to be able to have the resources to reach success, and these national relationships help bolster the advantages and access students have to significant opportunities that support their pursuit of excellence,” said Jimmy H. Baker, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System.
“The connections students and Alabama’s HBCC leaders will have through the Thurgood Marshall College are bound to strengthen the avenues the colleges provide to residents who trust our colleges with the training they desire for their future