Bro. Ira Young earned his PhD in Education this spring from University of California, Davis. With his doctorate, Ira will be helping to open doors for students of color in the UC system who are pursuing degrees in STEM related fields. Bro. Young, a member of Alpha Nu Sigma Chapter | Oakland, CA, shares his views on why education is so important, "Higher education gives us the ability to acquire knowledge of the world around us and the tools to change it into something better. It develops in us a perspective of looking at life and it helps us build opinions and have points of view on things in life. Higher education, theoretically, enables us to expand our knowledge and skills, express thoughts clearly in speech and in writing, grasp abstract concepts and theories, and increase our understanding of the world and our communities.
Higher education gives us the ability to acquire knowledge of the world around us and tools to change it into something better. It develops in us a perspective of looking at life and it helps us build opinions and have points of view on things in life. Higher education, theoretically, enables us to expand our knowledge and skills, express thoughts clearly in speech and in writing, grasp abstract concepts and theories, and increase our understanding of the world and our communities.
Unfortunately, at the present, education is greatly privileged, with financial burdens serving to be a limiting force for many potential students. In my opinion, the ultimate tool to really increase the abundance of educational opportunities begins by reducing, if not eliminating, financial and societal obstacles in order to increase access for all students, particularly for those who, because of their personal and/or social identities/positioning, have limited access to resources, face direct or structural discrimination, and are less likely to enter and academically succeed in education. Lest we forget, one of the fundamental responsibilities of public institutions of higher education is to provide open and equal opportunities for students to learn, succeed, and positively contribute to their local, national, and global societies.
Currently, I serve as the Director of Diversity for mathematical and physical sciences at the University of California, Berkeley. In my role, I am charged with broadening participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through education administration, program implementation, assessment, and evaluation. My focus is on quality learning and research experiences for students, expanding pathways for access and success for underrepresented, low income, and first-generation students."
Phi Beta Sigma was founded upon the principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service. As members of this wondrous band, it is our responsibility to embody these principles in all aspects of our lives. Congratulations to Bro. Ira Young for his academic achievement and helping carry out the vision of our Most Honorable Founders.
