Thank you for your response, Amelia.

I do agree that my experiences do not represent the typical AA experience. I wonder, in your opinion, what the next steps forward look like; both interracially as well as between the 2 intraracial subsets you mentioned.

Concerning STEM specifically, it seems to me that making the switch between laying a foundation and ultimately intensifying the work will be a difficult one down the road. (I reference STEM specifically, but I'm sure this approach is/will be used in other education specific areas as well.) If these programs are meant to compensate for an education system that has failed so many AA students, wouldn't it make sense for them to operate at the highest possible level?

Thank you again for taking the time to leave your thoughts, and I look forward to your response!