What I would say is - companies want to increase diversity. They are doing that by focusing on HBCUs in significant ways. I don’t know about these particular programs, but all the schools you mention generally have good reputations. As you see from PPs, impressive companies are hiring them. So, I would focus on the level of prep they receive, how strong the actual program is, and if you can find folks at some larger companies or alumni of these programs - finding out which alumni are best prepared, both for first jobs but also those who seem to have the skills to move up. I think the quality of the actual courses and professors is what will be important.

My assumption is being in Atlanta will be better for internships and recruitment.

Anonymous wrote:I’m not ashamed to say that I make these kinds of decisions based on prestige … Spelman is a bigger name than Hampton, so that’s what I would advise. I think being in a major city and having the connection to Georgia Tech is also a big factor. The 3/2 program with GT seems like an amazing way to both get the HBCU experience and the big public research university experience.

What does she think about the single-sex aspect? On the one hand that might make Spelman even better since she won’t have to worry about gender discrimination. On the other hand, I wonder if Hampton devotes more resources to CS because it is more traditionally male …

I’ve seen a bunch of studies on women in tech and don’t follow them closely because it’s not my field but do tend to note the gist… The gist of one I saw recently was that having women as professors and role models makes a measurable difference for keeping young women in tech. And since the gender balance of tenured professors lags decades behind who’s studying now, many schools still have a very male roster of professors. Might be one thing that Spelman does better?

Since it sounds like both programs are strong choices and you know people with inside info, might be it worth asking about the CS professors and how much the students liked or respected them in general. Professors play such a big part in someone’s academic experience in college.

Anonymous wrote:Not OP but we're looking at HBCUs as well and we just rule out NCA&T. It seems very unlikely unless you're from NC. They take so few out of state. I wouldn't hinge any hope on that school.

Could they be 'yield protecting' OOS? In that case an EA application (Nov 15th - I believe) plus demonstrated interest through opening email communications, virtual tours/in-person visits, or contact with the admissions office in some fashion may all help.

Not OP but we're looking at HBCUs as well and we just rule out NCA&T. It seems very unlikely unless you're from NC. They take so few out of state. I wouldn't hinge any hope on that school.

Has she visited both and spent time really walking around campus and the area around campus? I feel you can’t t go wrong with either but Spelman has excellent name recognition and the program with Ga tech put it number 1 for me if she likes the area around Spelman and the school itself. It’s not just about the academics and job placement but also social and emotional fit. I also think A&T should be high on the list.

I am not a Howard fan for undergrad. I don’t feel it’s as strong as it used to be.

Anonymous wrote:They are both fine. CS is the easiest subject to teach and learn. Half the Internet is free educational support content for CS.

Wrong! If it was so easy, top companies would not be paying $150k and have years-long pipeline to attract and hire new graduates.

Yes an 8th grader can make a website or app. That’s programming. Hell .. a 6 year old can program Lego Robotics.

Computer science is logic and higher-level discrete math and numerical analysis, algorithms and operating systems, and numerical analysts, natural language processing, etc.

Anonymous wrote:I have never heard of or seen any black female SWE. I guess they exist IRL.

Great point… which is why OP’s DD wants an HBCU. Black tech students get lost and discouraged at the larger schools. It’s hard have your classmates respect you when most think you only got into a school because of race. (see Harvard suit thread)

Spelman. They do a 3+2 years engineering program with Georgia Tech (I think it’s a dual degree from both schools) or she can get the terminal CS degree from Spelman in4 years. (And the decision doesn’t face to be made until year 3).

This is one of thr best ways to go for a black CS girl. unfortunately a lot of PWI are 70% males and and NOT ALL… but some non-black males who haven’t been around a lot of smart black or female tech students have biases.

The top tech companies who seek female and racial diversity, recruit from Spelman because they can interview a lot of high achieving black women in one swoop. It is on the target list for top tech, finance and consulting companies and graduate programs.

My black son graduated from a high ranked PWI CS program. My daughter is not interested in tech (or an HBCU) but Spelman is one of her mom’s top choices.

Help your child apply to get an internship every summer. Encourage/teach her to network with business people. Use linkedin. These are more important than which HBCU.

Aggie Pride!

No question: Spelman

Anonymous wrote:They are both very good schools so she should go to the one she wants. Most of those companies yo listed will hire from any school and they are looking for minorities and women so that will give her a better leg up than the school name. Where does she want to go? That's where I would pick (baring money).

Agreed. Companies are desperate for black and female CS majors. It doesn't really matter where she goes, so pick the place where she will be the most comfortable and likes the most.

I have heard of Spelman, but not Hampton. That might translate into a hiring advantage.

I'm with the pp that said that overall prestige matters. I agree. And Spelman clearly has higher brand reputation/recognition.