Where Are The Diverse Candidates

[Lisa Steptoe]

Black Knights,

I just walked in the door, coming home from an evening of interviewing candidates for a nomination to one of the service academies for Congressman Elijah Cummings. I just don't think I can do justice to expressing my sheer disgust and disappointment in the fact that out of 12 candidates from District 7 that we interviewed tonight (..and the 10 more I have to go thru on Saturday), than NOT ONE from Baltimore, District 7 was a diverse candidate. I sat there tonight, interviewing kids who were mostly ambivalent about going to an academy, had no idea what they wanted to do after they graduated....

"I want to focus on business/economics." What kind of freakin' answer is that?
"My first choice and only choice is the Naval Academy and I want to go special forces." Did you know that the Navy doesn't have a Special Forces?
had no plan B, where not interested in anything else but one Academy or even thought of ROTC. All of these kids were bright, good grades, above avg SAT scores, but only 1 or 2 made you go WOW. WHERE ARE THE DIVERSE CANDIDATES?!!!! There have got to be some diverse kids (I don't care if they are Native American, Black, Asian, WHATEVER!) Where are they? Why are we not attracting these kids?

You know who's fault it is? It's partly our collective fault - EACH ONE GET ONE!!!! It's partly WP fault - obviously we are doing a DISMAL job of advertising and getting the word out in the communities where the MAJORITY of our soldiers come from. It's partly the Dept of Admissions fault - why did Congressman Cummings staffer tell me that they could only get someone from NAVY to do their school visits. NO ONE from WooPoo came to any of the schools in his district last year. We have got to beat the bushes; we must start grassroots; and we need MORE PEOPLE doing it.

I will continue to do my part - whatever it takes and I've committed to Congressman Cummings to help him with his school visits if Ron and I have to go ourselves. I ask everyone else to reach out to Admissions and Project Outreach and put these guys to work. Force the Academy to increase the budget so they can go more places or if you have money that you are giving to the Academy, don't let it go into the general fund - DESIGNATE it for Project Outreach. I don't know if that is even possible, but its worth a try. The Academy won't change unless we scream loud enough with some dollars to back it up.

Okay, I had my hissy fit. You can blast me if you'd like, I've ranted on with my .02, so bring it on.
Thank You for letting me get off a little steam.

[Lisa Steptoe]

Hey Lisa - I'm cracking up laughing over here. Remember this is how we got introduced to each other - you kicking us in the butt to get support on an issue with me taking exception to your approach and responding with a full broadside - Ouch - smiles. Not this time. I agree with you, however, here's some missing data you need to get to help your argument:

1. Get data on the total recruiting budget and where is it focused.
2. What locales are covered by USMA recruiters.
3. What is USMA's Marketing Plan (if one exists) and how much of it focuses on minorities / diversity?
4. Etc.

You see, just because the Baltimore area had pitiful representation doesn't mean there is a problem holistically since the Baltimore area doesn't represent the entire USMA market - get my point? Now I suspect you're right but my business hat would challenge you to quantitatively prove your point. What is the plan and where does the USMA marketing / recruiting money go?

Again, I suspect you are right but your argument was purely emotional. "Show us the money" Lisa and folk will truly listen - smiles.

Brett
"A friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out"

[Lisa Steptoe]

Lisa

I feel your pain!!! As you might recall I work with Dennis trying to help kids improve their ACT/SAT scores. These kids know what they want and where they want to go but, because they don't have the SAT scores they do not get the interviews for Congressional nominations. The system SUCKS.

I have been trying to encourage every minority graduate of USMA to set a goal of identifying 1 minority candidate for the Academies. If we all committed to this goal I believe we would all see an increase of candidates.

By the way - my youngest daughter just received her Congressional nomination to both West Point and Air Force Academy. I hope next year to have 1 girl that is a Firstie and 1 that is a Plebe. See you at the conference. Maybe your most recent experience should be a topic of discussion at the conference.

Ed Clark
1977

[Lisa Steptoe]

Lisa,

I see, hear, and feel your pain down the road in NOVA. The diverse candidates are few and far between...and the biggest reason I have heard is (no surprise)...the war. I think the death of LT Perez really hit home around here, and I have seen, by and large, a withdrawal in interest for the service academies by all diversity classes. I am not an official admissions official, but stay connected through the high schools by way of informal contact with various counselors and teachers. It is ugly, in terms of who is interested and why, for the service academies. Very much mirrors your comments. All reasons and logic that we applied in the past (education, betterment, service to the nation, etc) are falling on deaf ears. All they hear is Iraq, IED, bodycount, mom and dad saying, "hell, no!" Not sure how to correct the trend...

Will Carter
USMA '93

[Lisa Steptoe]

That was no hissy fit. It melded exactly into what I am experiencing in my law firm. Been a partner for 2 years. Am one of two Black partners in a 120 attorney firm. Your emails follows on the same day that I sent an email asking a San Francisco lawyer how his efforts were coming along, after seeing a 9 Sep 04 USA Today article on "Legal industry still lacking in minorities," with his photo. I think it is going to take an individual commitment by each of us. I know that Oakland has a model program. It was created and mentored by a '60 grad. Though when I was last on the WP Forum (5 mos ago), it was in danger of having its funding cut.

Milt Spaulding, USMA '74
Spencer Fane Britt & Browne LLP
1 N. Brentwood Blvd., Suite 1000
St. Louis, MO 63105
Direct Phone #: [phone]
Phone #: [phone]
Fax #: [phone]

[Lisa Steptoe]

Lisa,
Greetings! You are absolutely right! But, I must say that there are still a lot of changes that need to be made at the academy to entice diverse candidates to desire to apply and attend the academy. My husband is currently teaching at West Point; and, he strongly feels that there are still some underlying and important issues that desperately require great attention and cultivation in recruiting and developing minority students and faculty.
Additionally, I heard Congressman Cummings speak at the University of Maryland's commencement ceremony in May '06. I thoroughly enjoyed his speech and would like to obtain a copy if possible. Is there any possible way that you can assist me in pursing this task? I would greatly appreciate it.

V/R
USMA '96

MAJ Kathy M. Brown
Assistant Project Manager
Office of the PM for Close Combat Systems

[Lisa Steptoe]

EXCELLENT message, Lisa! Kevin Huggins, Les Knotts and I are working on a research project exploring retention and RECRUITMENT of ethnic minorities at Whoops, and hope to have some insight to share with the group. You're right and I've been equally guilty of not helping to source ethnic minority candidates. Certainly something we need to focus on. Perhaps create our own organization with contacts in each state? We should definitely get together and brainstorm.

Wanda Costen

[Lisa Steptoe]

Lisa - I am shocked, too! But, how can I help?!?!? Please let me know.

I am Filipino. I was born in the Philippines and immigrated to the US when I was 6 years old. My older sister was the one who introduced me to the concept of attending a service academy because we didn't have any money for college. If she did not open my eyes to the service academies or ROTC, I don't know where I would be. Well, I know I would be in a lot of debt. I did not get into West Point during my first 2 tries. But, I worked hard to get through it. I can help educate other minorities on their opportunities. I was in AFROTC at Virginia Tech for 2 years before West Point, so I can give both sides of the story. In fact, I thought of working in Admissions at one point. I think I would kick butt there!!!

I am really fortunate to have had the opportunity to graduate. But, honestly, I did not know what I wanted to do when I was a senior in high school. I didn't know the military at all so I can see why the one candidate you interviewed wanted to go into the Navy and Special Forces. It's simply because they are not well informed. I can be the informer!!!! I can help these kids prepare for their future. I may not have known anything about the military in high school, but I was driven to work hard and get through whatever I needed to get through in order not to burden my family with student loans. Plus, I just knew there were many good opportunites to come if you joined the military. And it worked...I'm still in the Army! Can you believe it? Well, let me know how I can help. I'm here at TRADOC at Ft. Monroe [phone].

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

* * * * * * * *
Go Army!
CPT Ranee J. Rubio
* * * * * * * *

[Lisa Steptoe]

Lisa -

Happy New Year!

Interesting note and thanks for sharing.

Believe you are partially correct in your assessment that we "old Grads" and the Academy could/should do more. Believe the larger issue impacting this year's recruitment is the nature of the prolonged fight we are engaged in over in Southwest Asia. As you know, 75-80% of today's Pointers are confronted with a ground combat opportunity immediately upon graduation and the prospect of 2 or more return engagements before the 5 year commitment is up. This new truth significantly changes the calculus of the decision making cycles 17 1/2 year olds, their parents, counselors, and other well wishers. At a minimum, it makes service in the Air Force or Navy (minus the USMC) a safer and thus, more attractive choice. This situation is impacting the enlisted force as well and the Army Accessions leadership is working diligently to find a way to our service an attractive option to young patriots.

Regards,

VB - USMA 85

[Lisa Steptoe]

Lisa,
Tremendous letter! Full of passion and heart. I understand your frustation. I have a 17 year old son who is interested in attending West Point. We live near Baton Rouge, LA and my son had a visit from Army coach Stan Brock about 1 month ago. He is excited about the opportunity, and toyour point, he has several classmates and some underclassmen that would make great Cadets and future Officers. I would like to help you in doing something here in the Baton Rouge area to raise the awareness about the Service Academies. I know that when Cadet Don Lighthouse came to my house I was so impressed I had to go to West Point. I still remmeber his name after over 20 years and I only met him that one time, that's how impressive his visit was to me. I also made visits when I was a Cadet, is that program still around? If there are no minority Cadets from the Baton Rouge area, I would be willing to have one stay with me and my family over the Christmas and Summer breaks to do some minority recruiting.
Obviously, you are a Christian, and so I will tell you what the Lord spoke to me and my wife this morning. We walk by faith, not sight; calling those things that be not as though they were. Stay encouraged. God is not mocked, what a man sows he will reap, and you will reap if you do not faint.
Bob Wells '87

[Lisa Steptoe]

LISA.

I am in 1000% agreement with you. This is quite disappointing!

I just finished visiting USMA last week with my 15 yr old son who is showing some

Strong interest in attending and escorting him around the areas, barracks, plain, etc really drummed up some

Pride in me as I reminisced on the good ole days….sad to hear that those issues you mentioned are prevalent.



Jesus Terrones and I are here at HBS…how can we help!??!



Ali, Class of 97



Ali W. Palmer

MBA Class of 2008

Harvard Business School

C: 561-603-0328

[Lisa Steptoe]

Hi Lisa,

I share your pain. I have been on the school board here in Stamford for a couple of years now (a place USMA is very interested in for diverse candidates) and am their rep for dealings with the CT Bd of Ed. What you are seeing is one of the many impacts of our Achievement Gap and the ongoing national conversation on NCLB, etc.

The short answer to your frustration is: our schools are not generating enough successful black male graduates (there are other diverse groups like Hispanics who are not a lot better, but that is for another time). USMA looked at the records of all HS grads nationwide last year and found some 600+ black males who would have even made the cut. Article was in the Army Times. I had a good conversation with COL Mike Jones (Admissions Director) at the UConn/Army game.

I would like to get this topic on the MOC agenda and help organize us on this....and soon! In any event, my thanks for all you do. I hope the holidays were good. Happy New Years!

Archie Elam '76
[phone]

[Lisa Steptoe]

Lisa,

FYI. TX16 provides several minority candidates each year. Right now we have three at USMAPS (all Hispanic; one young women and two young men) and at least 4 at USMA (including one Black male). If all things go well, we will send several more into the classes of 2011 and 2012 (up to three Black males and several more Hispanics). I believe that the issue is selling the academies to all students and not being disuaded by low SAT/ACT scores (compared to the USMA mean scores). Last, we are active in college fairs/days and visit middle schools. I have found out that allot of minority candidates here, even those who are planning to enlist the military after HS, are not aware of the academies or ROTC. I must note however that we do not target minority candidates but look for all kids who have strong leadership potential and a desire to serve this nation.

Just my two cents.

Dave Powell
Class '82

[Lisa Steptoe]

Lisa,

A couple of years ago I offered to run advertising in my magazine - which
reaches a few million Black parents - for a very low amount (just enough to
pay my sales rep) and I was told to basically, "Keep on walking." I also
offered to endorse the Academy in each issue by telling readers that this
was a great option for our kids. Again, I was told to move along. So, I
don't know what's going on or who is making decisions. But that response
from the academy was just plain stupid since I reach more Black parents with
more Black kids - in a positive environment - than they can get anywhere
else. My TV show reaches more Black parents with kids... We all know that if
you can influence the parents you can get to the kids.

Your thoughts?

Enjoy Life!

Darryl
WP 1978

[Lisa Steptoe]

Lisa,
They do not make them in your mold anymore! We are flat out getting old
(maybe I should change my pronoun?), and we really can't relate to this new
group. I also get extremely frustrated when I go talk to high schools about
West Point and kids look at me with utter confusion. Anyway, I share in
your perception and all we can do is keep trying to make a difference. Hope
all is well with you, Ron and the family!

Responding from a forward deployed position in Kuwait....

Williiam