HBCU GAP: NEW WORKBOOK HELPS STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM HBCUs

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NEW WORKBOOK HELPS STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM HBCUs

Workbook part of initiative to raise HBCU graduation rates

Miami Gardens, FL – March 21, 2013 – A workbook that brings families together for an upbeat family meeting will help students to graduate from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). By participating in an innovative new process called the G.A.P. (Graduation Action Planning) SESSION, families learn how to create a powerful "safety-net" to help prevent their children from dropping out of college.

"HBCUs are employing a multi-faceted approach to raising graduation levels and many are coming up with promising solutions," explained Michelle Hollinger, CEO of HBCU GAP (GRADUATION ACTION PLAN) and creator of The G.A.P. SESSION™. The sociologist, writer and former newspaper editor, said in order for the graduation rate to be seriously impacted, however; families must be included. 

Hollinger said one issue that often factors into a student dropping out is their family not being aware of the problems they have encountered, or finding out too late to intervene. Working together as a team prior to the child's freshman year of college, The G.A.P. SESSION helps a family and student explore issues that typically lead to students dropping out and importantly, to identify possible solutions before problems arise.

"One of the most powerful aspects of the process is students realizing that their family is there for them, already armed with practical solutions if they encounter certain problems," Hollinger said. "These are issues that are often a part of the college experience. They should be character-building opportunities, not reasons to disrupt a student's education."

The workbook shows families easy ways to motivate their child while they're away at school. It also guides families through a simple process that helps to reveal to their child personal strengths that they may not have been aware of and shows them how to use those strengths to have a successful college career. 

"Families are thrilled with the G.A.P. SESSION because it takes a regular family meeting and turns it into a powerful gathering that sets students up for success," explained Hollinger. "We build upon the beautiful African proverb, 'It Takes a Village to Raise a Child;' redefining it for the college experience," she added, sharing her company's tag line, 'It Takes a Village to Graduate a Student™.'

She said that the timing is perfect for the initiative, in part, because of President Obama's goal to have the United States reclaim the top spot with the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by the year 2020. 

"HBCUs are a national treasure and they will play a significant role in the president's endeavor," Hollinger said. 

The G.A.P. SESSION workbook costs $19.99 and can be purchased at www.hbcugap.org.

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About HBCU GAP

HBCU GAP is a Miami Gardens-based company that is determined to help raise the graduation rates at the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities by using strength-based, solution focused approaches that step outside of the box - where the best solutions are often found! 

The company's president and CEO is Michelle Hollinger and its vice-president is Mark H. Wilder.