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Reaching college students at HBCUs Prairie View A&M University
REACHING COLLEGE STUDENTS AT HBCUs PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY
THE NEED:
Kid issues include poverty, corruption, hunger, and lack of resources in natural disasters. Young people are caught in the middle of this crisis. They are looking for role models and seeking answers to their suffering and needs. Many turn to gangs or prostitution for survival.
THE OPPORTUNITY:
Prairie View A&M University, with 8,400 students, is one of the top three Historically Black College and Universities, (HBCUs) in both enrollment and on campus housing. The affordability, high rate of graduates jumping two tax brackets by age 34, and the campus life have made PV well known as a top choice destination school for black students in Texas.
As special as this institution is, the median family household income being $39,300, coupled with 60% of PV freshmen being the first generation in their families to pursue a college education can leave many students overwhelmed. Only ½ will graduate due to working multiple jobs and having to send money home, while trying to maintain their grades. While there is a long-standing undercurrent of Christian culture on campus, students struggle with spiritual wounds from early church-hurt experiences. Also, PV is the most known party school amongst HBCUs.
THE OPPORTUNITY:
Prairie View A&M University, with 8,400 students, is one of the top three Historically Black College and Universities, (HBCUs) in both enrollment and on campus housing. The affordability, high rate of graduates jumping two tax brackets by age 34, and the campus life have made PV well known as a top choice destination school for black students in Texas.
As special as this institution is, the median family household income being $39,300, coupled with 60% of PV freshmen being the first generation in their families to pursue a college education can leave many students overwhelmed. Only ½ will graduate due to working multiple jobs and having to send money home, while trying to maintain their grades. While there is a long-standing undercurrent of Christian culture on campus, students struggle with spiritual wounds from early church-hurt experiences. Also, PV is the most known party school amongst HBCUs.
THE PLAN:
Due to the unique history and dynamics of HBCUs Greek Life which began at a time when it was illegal for black students to gather, “rushing” for membership is still done in secrecy while gaining acceptance into the elite “Divine 9” (PV’s nickname for its nine sororities and fraternities). Less than 5% of PV’s population (approx. 300 students) are accepted into these famed and few open positions on campus, making them celebrity-like and influential (a much different environment from PWIs, primarily white institutions).
Young Life College leaders at PV have a vision to reach these 300 students who are leaders amidst their peers, and also the students most likely to remain on campus through four years of potential discipleship and leadership development. Through the governing structure of the Divine 9, YL plans to build a bridge with 9 chaplain YL leaders serving the houses, offering meals, and coming alongside and helping at their events while befriending students. Additionally, their team desires to bring on a student staff person to support the team of leaders and help build the pipeline of discipleship on camps intentionally.
THE NEED: $10,000
God’s favor is on the lead staff person who is opening the doors at Prairie View. Over 460 students have been met, many of them have attended YL hosted 3-on-3 basketball tournaments or gatherings, 76 students are known by name and are being relationally pursued. With this two-fold investment of 1) $5,000 to build bridges with the Divine 9 by leaders serving, feeding, befriending students and spiritually encouraging students through chaplaincy roles, along with 2) $5,000 to cover ½ the cost of bringing on a competent student staff to support the rapid growth and favor that YL College has on campus, we can propel Young Life ministry on Prairie View’s A&M’s campus for hundreds and possibly thousands of students, and for years to come!
