New class creates opportunity for Central students

A class has been revived that creates new opportunities for students of color.  

Minority Scholars is a program featured at schools all over the United States. Though each program is different, the means of this program is to make sure students of color have equal opportunities and receive the best resources for applying for scholarships and mapping at successful future.  

Studies from the American Psychology Association show that there is a 14 percent difference in graduation rates from white to black students in the United States. The APA identifies a notable difference in the way some administrations treat white students compared to students of color. Studies show that black students are less likely to be placed in gifted programs because of discriminatory stereotypes. The purpose of Minority Scholars is to ensure the students of color are receiving opportunities that allow students to reach their full potential.  

Sophomore Hime Moore received an email during the summer of the new opportunity to connect with other students of color and to join the class. 

“I got an email from Mr. (Jimmie) Foster, who runs Minority Scholars with Ms. (Diane) Allen” Moore said, in describing who reached out to her.  

Minority Scholars is not a grade-based class. Moore describes it as a class full of opportunity. She states that Minority Scholars is helpful in preparation.  

“It’s not a class where you really get a grade, but it’s more so to help you so that when time comes for you to apply for colleges or other things like that, you’re prepared and you’re not behind,” Moore said.  

Moore does not just prepare for college in this class. She has made friends that she says are like a study group.  

 “We also have like study groups, so we help each other out if someone does not understand something,” she said.  

Racism in school is a can be a reason as to why students of color face inequality at school. Education Next states that racism in school does not only come from students, but from staff as well.  

“What magnifies the discriminatory practices of educating by zip codes are the deep-rooted biases, conscious or subconscious, of educational staff,” says George Farmer of Education Next.  

Though Minority Scholars is not a class that strictly talks about inequality in school, it is also about having a safe space for students to go to, with teachers that can offer support to help students succeed in the future. Moore agrees with the study that people of color do not receive as many opportunities as white students. 

“A lot of the time, people of color do not have the same opportunities, whereas a school with a higher white population would have more resources in order to succeed better in academics,” she said. “Minority scholars gives us the same opportunity.” 

Though Moore appreciates the help in writing and preparation for scholarships, she would like to see more focus on what the students are learning in school.  

“I think we could focus more on our current schoolwork now, really just studying more and getting more help with the grades,” Moore said.  

She hopes to see this class at other schools in Nebraska.  

“For the students, a lot of honors classes are made up of a majority of white people, so having a group of kids who can also relate to you really helps.”