Acknowledging the disparity between the number of African American high school students who aspire toward higher education and the number who actually attend, this OK uncovers factors that influence African American student's decisions regarding college. Kassie Freeman brings new insights to the current body of research on African Americans and higher education by examining the impact that family, school, community, and home have in the decision-making process. She explores specific factors that contribute to a student's predisposition toward higher education, including gender, economics, and high school curriculum, and seeks to bridge the gap in understanding why aspiration does not immediately translate into participation. Educators and policy makers interested increasing African American students participation in higher education will benefit from the exploration of this paradox.

Kassie Freeman is Dean and Professor of Education at Dillard University. She is the editor of African American Culture and Heritage in Higher Education Research and Practice.