There are a number of valuable benefits that come with adding diversity in higher education – most of them impacting a student’s academic and social experiences.

In fact, places like the Harlem Baseball Hitting Academy have been strongly encouraging diversity in their academy, particularly Black men in hopes of providing them with quality sports education that could bring about a more nurturing environment for them.

Harlem Baseball Hitting Academy serves as an objective to help young men of colour get ahold of the proper tools and effective guidance so that they can walk the path of success whether they are on or off from the baseball field.

Ever since the academy was established in 2004, the academy immediately received much praise and attention and in just a couple of years the academy expanded its influence and was able to offer more benefits to their students. The platform rapidly grew and has drafted more than 25 of its graduates by major league baseball teams and have one of their players even become a World Series Champion.

Consequently, their popularity led to Harlem Baseball Hitting Academy players to garner more than $14,000,000 in Baseball and Educational Scholarships and becoming a part of many important selections such as the 5 Gatorade New York State Players of the Year, the American League Championships Series MVP and Gold Glove Award Winner, to name a few.

Seeing their success is proof that it is high time that we add diversity into higher education and allow students to implement their skills to the highest of their abilities. Here are some of the benefits that come with adding diversity to higher education.

Enriched Campus Experience

Through social interactions within a culturally diverse classroom, students will have the opportunity to learn from all kinds of people about their backgrounds, upbringing, culture, religions, etc. which in turn brings about an increase in innovation and collaboration.

According to the notes provided by the Centre For American Progress, “Research shows that the overall academic and social effects of increased racial diversity on campus are likely to be positive, ranging from higher levels of academic achievement to the improvement of near – and long-term intergroup relations.”

Challenging Stereotypes

Students are raised around people with the same socioeconomic, cultural, and racial characteristics. For many students who identify with certain cultures will come across challenges with predisposed stereotypes and norms that continue to stay with them during adolescence. And when presented with opportunities where they can explore these experiences, many students can become more tolerant, accepting, and thoughtful members of society.

Enhanced Communication and Processing Skills

Within a diverse campus, students are open to opportunities where they can interact with people from all kinds of backgrounds – thus enabling them to figure out ways to communicate more effectively and most often differently than what they have been previously accustomed to.

In fact, in an article from the Century Foundation, it stated, “Students who interacted with racially and ethnically diverse peers showed significant gains in cognitive skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving.”