ABSTRACT
African American parents with high-achieving students valued a number of components in higher education institutions. For example, they value quality curriculum, quality instructors, comfortable context, goal setting, and student support resources. Parents also were aware of the social stigmas of race and perceptions of their children as less academic or substandard students. The parents believed that the presence of high-achieving African American students, such as their children, could be used to reform college campuses. The participants stated that they were looking for the visibility of African American students and students from other racial groups because they believe racial and social diversity are necessary components of their children’s overall higher education experience. The majority of students talked about their fathers as a silent but influential figure, and outspoken advocate for particular colleges or universities, and/or a financial supporter. Barring financial constraints for participants, the students overwhelming stated that their parents trusted them to make the final decision.
