The University of the District of Columbia is reinvigorating its founding mission of training educators with the launch of the School of Education and Learning Sciences (SELS). The new school will offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees and aims to strengthen the District’s teacher pipeline while preparing a diverse generation of educators for every classroom.
Category: Education
Posted inEducation
Black students are the fastest growing group of college applicants
Black students are the fastest-growing group of college applicants in the U.S., with applications rising 11 percent in fall 2025 compared to the previous year, according to the Common Application. This surge shows that, despite rising tuition and the Supreme Court ending affirmative action, Black students continue to pursue higher education at record rates, particularly in the Southwest and in states like Mississippi.
Posted inEducation
School board decides to shut down Baltimore Collegiate after 2026 school year
The Baltimore City Public School Board decided on Jan. 14 to not renew the charter of Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys. The all-boys public charter school also faced closure in 2023 with reported concerns about financial management and low test scores.
Posted inEducation
3 education fights that aren’t going away in 2026
Battles over the Department of Education, immigration and artificial intelligence in the classroom aren’t going away in 2026.
Posted inBaltimore News
Community members, alumni fight to keep Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys open ahead of final vote
By Mekhi AbbottSpecial to the AFROmabbott@afro.com A final vote to decide the future of The Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys will take place on Jan. 14. The vote will be live streamed and comes after a second public hearing, held on Jan. 8, at the Baltimore City Public Schools District Office. The all-boys charter school […]
Posted inNational News
Remembering Black leaders and icons who died in 2025
As 2025 ends, the AFRO honors the Black leaders, artists, and trailblazers who passed away this year. Their legacies shaped culture, politics and society, leaving a lasting impact on communities worldwide.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Annual UDC holiday celebration brings faculty, staff together
By Patricia McDougall The University District of Columbia (UDC) “Firebirds” held the president’s annual holiday celebration for faculty and staff on Friday, Dec. 19. The event was hosted by UDC President Maurice D. Edington and First Lady Tonya Barge Edington. Faculty and staff enjoyed the food and took to the dance floor to have a […]
Posted inBaltimore News
City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises named finalist for National Superintendent of the Year
By Baltimore City Public Schools Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) is proud to announce that Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, chief executive officer, has been selected as one of four finalists for the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year award, following her recognition as Maryland Superintendent of the Year. This prestigious national honor, presented by […]
Posted inEducation
Funding concerns rise after nursing loses professional degree label
The Department of Education’s move to reclassify nursing graduate programs as academic rather than professional degrees is raising concerns about access and equity. Perinatal nurse Keira Wise said the change could deter students from marginalized communities, while public defense attorney Lauren Corbin warned it may deepen financial barriers that already limit Black students pursuing advanced professional training.
Posted inBaltimore News
Youth Wealth Summit empowers students with hands-on financial skills
The Youth Wealth Summit returned for its fourth year with a new youth-led format and expanded partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools, offering hands-on financial education to middle and high school students. Through interactive workshops on entrepreneurship, budgeting and investing, students gained practical tools to help them think differently about money and leadership.
Posted inMental Health
New study shows improvement on mental health of college students
Mental health has become a focus for college students across the nation seeking to balance the pressures of campus life. On the campus of Morgan State University, the counseling center is just one way the institution supports its students.
Posted inBaltimore News
How Baltimore mentorship programs are closing the racial income gap for Black boys
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com Eighteen-year-old Kenneth Dorsey of Cherry Hill hopes to attend college to study mechanical engineering and establish his own home renovation business, spending hours studying trades on YouTube. But statistics show that he’ll grow up to earn less than his White peers because of his race, even if they come from […]