Many students from overseas have an incomplete or inaccurate understanding of race and racial identity in America. Their perspectives can be shaped by stereotypes of African Americans and other minorities in popular culture or reflect very different perspectives on race and ethnicity in their home countries. 

Yet, few colleges pay specific attention to the gaps in international students’ awareness of race or to the culture shock they can experience at suddenly being viewed through a racial lens.

The COVID-19 health crisis has exposed and worsened equity gaps in higher education, with the pressures most acute for Black, Latino, and lower-income students. 

In this podcast, Michelle Asha Cooper of the Institute for Higher Education Policy and Kim Cook of the National College Attainment Network discuss policies and incentives that can help close these gaps.