In the past, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were able to increase the number of African Americans in science by producing as many African American scientists as the field allowed (Hines 4). These universities have continued to play a crucial role in helping America overcome the shortage of scientists vital to the country's economic growth (Suitts 205). Despite lack of funding and lack of public interest, these educational institutions continue to produce 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 the biological sciences and more than 40% of African American students who earned a bachelor's degree in the physical sciences (physics, chemistry, astronomy). , environmental science, and mathematics) (Suitts 205). In nearly every STEM field, HBCUs lead the nation's largest and far more enterprising universities in producing African American graduates. Person addresses the issue of discrepancies between HBCUs and Predominately 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 versus PWIs are markedly different. African Americans at HBCUs receive greater affirmation of skills and social support, but do not receive the same amount of resources as African Americans who attend PWIs. While African Americans engaged in major PWI research often benefit from the availability of resources, which may not be possible at an HBCU (Pearson xviii). However, those who graduate from HBCUs are more likely to persist in graduate school... mid-paper... in the New York State Senate. Albany: New York State Legislature, 1901 .Washington, Jesse. “STEM Education and Work: Declining Number of 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 the sciences. 1995-2000. Department of Chemistry Louisiana State University. 2013.Watkins, Steven F. and Isiah M. Warner. Chemistry graduate education opportunities for African Americans. 1995. Department of Chemistry Louisiana State University. .Young, H.A. “Cultural Differences Affecting Minority Student Retention on Predominantly White Campuses.” Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (1983): np.