Dr. Regina Stanback Stroud, President, Skyline College has graciously accepted an invitation to host the 2016 White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans, on Friday, September 30, 2016. The event provides a platform for experts and Black students to be unapologetic about the needs and the accomplishments they have made in higher education.
The White House Initiative was created through an Executive Order by President Barack Obama in 2012. A component of the mission of the Initiative is to restore the United States to its role as the global leader in education; strengthen the Nation by improving educational outcomes for African Americans of all ages; and help ensure that African Americans receive a complete and competitive education that prepares them for college, and productive citizenship.
The Initiative is also in-line with the mission and goals of Skyline College by increasing college access and success for African American students and providing support to help ensure that a greater percentage of African Americans complete college and contribute to the goal of having America again lead the world in the proportion of adults who are college graduates by 2020.
By having the summit at Skyline College, it will provide a powerful forum to disrupt the status quo as well as negative stereotypes that surround Black students. The event will allow more collaboration with high schools in the peninsula and surrounding areas. Additionally, Skyline College will partner with other colleges in the region to open the dialogue about the needs of Black students.
The National Council on Black American Affairs/Western Region Council on Black American Affairs will assist in the planning and preparation of the event. We are honored that Skyline College, which is part of the San Mateo County Community College District is taking on this challenge and assisting in making a difference in the lives of our students.
Article and photo by Tammy Robinson
