Many African American youth face challenges to their efforts to receive a quality education. The current education system generates effects in schools and the larger society that are promising, yet problematic. Intellectual abilities and viable opportunities must be maximized to produce the highest academic outcomes, economic stability, and social mobility. Academic researchers and policy makers must begin to pay close attention to the ongoing issues that affect African Americans and their ability to experience success in educational settings.

Educational statistics show that African Americans are making positive strides toward academic, professional, and social achievements. Standardized test scores are rising, college attendance rates are escalating, the pursuit and attainment of graduate and professional degrees are increasing, and capital gains are improving. Even with these notable milestones, there remains room for improvement.

The Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute is compelled to expand and understand the multiple pathways leading to educational attainment. Our findings are available to diverse groups of stakeholders. Using varied research methods, the Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute serves to positively impact public policy and improve local practice for African Americans and education. To the extent that we succeed in our efforts, we will have made significant progress toward promoting educational attainment and social progress for humanity at-large.

M. Christopher Brown II, Ph.D.
Executive Director and Chief Research Scientist