
Minnesota isn't exactly a pipeline for historically black colleges and universities, the 105 institutions of higher education that are mostly located in the South.
But several panelists convened Thursday said these schools should be an option for more Minnesota students given their proven track record when comes to producing black teachers, engineers, and scientists and sending others on to graduate school. And they see that success while serving a disproportionate number of students who come low-income homes.
"These are institutions that give hope to the hopeless, courage to the discouraged and belief in one's self in those that might be non believers," said Brian K. Bridges, vice president of research and member engagement for the United Negro College Fund.
Bridges was one of the speakers at Thursday's "Learning & Teaching with Fire: Lessons from HBCU's and Tribal Colleges." The event drew more than 100 local educators, community activists, lawmakers and business leaders. The panel was convened by The Center for School Change, the African American Leadership Forum, St. Paul Indians in Action, UNCF and Migizi Communications.
In addition to historically black colleges and universities, the event also focused on triball-controlled colleges and included speakers from Leech Lake Tribal College and Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.
"The record of success among historically black colleges and universities and tribally controlled colleges is

dramatic with low-income students of color," said Joe Nathan, the center's executive director. "Minnesota faces issues where we doing very well with some youngsters but we need to dramatically better with others. And we believe in learning from success."
One of the reasons why historically black colleges and universities do a good job preparing students for life after college is because there's a high level of interaction between faculty members and students, Bridges said.