In the past, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were able to increase the number of African Americans in science by producing as many of African-American scientists as the field allowed. (Hines 4). These universities continued to play a crucial role in helping America overcome the shortage of scientists essential to the nation's economic growth (Suitts 205). Despite a lack of funding and a lack of public interest, these educational institutions continue to educate a large portion of America's African American graduates in STEM fields (Suitts 205). In 2000, HBCUs were responsible for graduating 40% of African American students in America who earned a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, and more than 40% of African American students who earned a science degree physics (physics, chemistry, astronomy). , environmental science and mathematics) (Suitts 205). In nearly every STEM field, HBCUs lead the nation's largest and most resourceful universities in producing African-American graduates. Person addresses the issue of discrepancies between HBCUs and predominantly white institutions (PWIs) in his book Beyond Small Numbers: Voices of African American PhD Chemist. He argues that the professional experiences of African Americans at HBCUs and PWIs are significantly different. African Americans at HBCUs receive more affirmation of their abilities and social support, but do not receive the same amount of resources as African Americans attending PWIs. While African Americans participating in large PWI research often benefit from the availability of resources, which may not be possible at an HBCU (Pearson xviii). Nonetheless, those who graduate from HBCUs are more likely to persist through graduate school...... middle of paper ......f the New York State Senate. Albany: New York State Legislature, 1901. Washington, Jesse. “STEM Education and Jobs: Decreases in Blacks Observed in Math and Science.” Huff Post: Education October 23, 2011: npWatkins, Steven and Isiah M. Warner. The Faces of Science: African Americans in Science. 1995-2000. Department of Chemistry Louisiana State University. 2013. Watkins, Steven F. and Isiah M. Warner. Graduate education opportunities for African Americans in chemistry. 1995. Department of Chemistry Louisiana State University. .Young, HA “Cultural Differences That Affect Minority Student Retention on Predominantly White Campuses.” Presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association (1983): np.