Many black Bermudian males don't go to college because they are taught so little about how to apply, according to researchers.Columbia University's interviews with students showed the need for more resources to be poured into career and college guidance departments in public secondary schools.Researchers Ronald Mincy, Monique Keyser and Eva Haldane interviewed 18 black male senior secondary school students aged between 17 and 19 in their follow-up study to the 2009 Mincy Report: Mincy Report.They concluded: “There was a general lack of clarity regarding the process of applying to and choosing a college that would meet students' professional interests and financial capabilities.“At the time of these interviews (towards the end of the school year), only one student had been accepted into an overseas college.“Few students had submitted applications or were able to articulate the steps it would take to apply for and finance an overseas college education.“Results suggest that parents and teachers are not effectively preparing boys for higher education.”Their reports include this comment from one student planning to go to dance college: “I'm applying to college now. I should have been done a long time ago, but I've been so busy I couldn't really get a lot done.“Now I'm trying to get it done so I can leave by September. Or not, stay for a year, work, and make some money. I have a job now, so ...”Asked what else he would do if he didn't get into college for dance, the student replied: “I'm not even sure. I've not even thought about a second plan.”Researchers said some students received good encouragement from family members, teachers and other school personnel.“Black Bermudian males who are about to complete secondary school have benefited from the support of family members, teachers, and other school personnel,” they stated.“These supporters tell them that they should aspire for education goals beyond secondary school. The educational message of ‘stick with it' supports secondary school graduation, academic confidence and high educational aspirations, in spite of maturity challenges.”But they continued: “Boys do not report learning enough about the complicated process of college and fellowship applications to make good on those goals.“Without a four-year degree, young black Bermudian males are left ill-equipped for work in Bermuda's highest paying industries.“Career and college guidance departments in the Bermudian public secondary schools should devote many more resources for ongoing and consistent relationships with black males.“With earlier connections between school performance and college and career aspirations, guidance counsellors could promote even greater results.“An emphasis on life after secondary school when boys enter secondary school, coupled with ongoing adult support, might help students think about their interests, generate goals, and develop the confidence and skills they need to meet them.”Useful websites: www.crfcfw.columbia.edu/pub/Bermuda_full.pdf