In addition to their usual classes, sophomores at Spelman College are being taught about career paths and how to pursue and acquire the jobs they want, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
They are receiving this additional education per the all-women Atlanta HBCU’s partnership with Braven, a nonprofit that aims to help students with attaining employment after college, pursuing graduate degrees, and closing income inequality gaps.
Women who graduated in 2020 earned an average annual salary of $52,266 while men made $64,022, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Black women were paid 63% of what white men were paid in 2019, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Students learn a myriad of skills, such as resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, and networking, and meet with various company leaders.
“It really helps with saying ‘You’re a sophomore. We can plan this out. You’re going to be okay’ and I feel like that’s really important going to an all-female, Black, HBCU,” said international studies major Nia Lindsey, 20.
Braven will work with about 450 Spelman sophomores through their senior years, and will work with another sophomore cohort next school year.
