Caribbean Community Members & Academics - UK Higher Ed Barriers

Master’s Journalism Project: Looking to interview Caribbean community members (non-students) and Academics/Professors on the underrepresentation of Caribbeans in Higher Education. Hey everyone, I’m a Master’s student in Journalism, and for my major project, I am researching the persistent underrepresentation and structural barriers facing people of Caribbean heritage in higher education in the United Kingdom While much of the media narrative focuses solely on university campuses, I want to look at the full picture: the early systemic failures (such as school exclusions, low teacher expectations, and class dynamics), the economic realities, and the alternative paths people choose instead of traditional academia. I aim to investigate why the system struggles to attract and retain Caribbean students, and what higher education is missing out on as a result. To make this piece comprehensive and grounded, I am looking to speak with two specific groups of people: 1. Caribbean Community Members (Not currently in Higher Education) You are of Caribbean descent (diaspora or living in the UK/US/globally). You either chose not to go to university, dropped out, or decided higher education wasn't the right environment for you. You are willing to share your honest perspective on your school experience, what influenced your decision, or how you view higher education today. 2. Professors, Cultural Academics, or Educational Researchers Academics, lecturers, or researchers specialising in Caribbean studies, sociology of education, race and inequality, or diaspora culture. Experts who can speak to the historical context, policy failures, and structural factors behind these attainment statistics. Privacy & Logistics: For Community Members: Full anonymity/pseudonyms will be used to protect your privacy. We can chat via Reddit DMs, email, or a quick phone/Zoom call. Whatever is easiest for you. If you also decide that you do not want to be anonymous, that is also okay. For Academics: You can be quoted under your official title and institution, or confidentially, depending on your preference. If you fit either of these profiles or know someone who might, please send me a DM or leave a comment below! Thank you so much for helping me highlight this critical issue with the nuance it deserves.