Historically, lack of access to educational opportunities has been a constant and unfortunate reality for many African Americans. As a result of tracking and ability grouping many African American students lack the necessary accoutrement for persistence in the sciences. Some critical factors for the persistence and success of African American students in college science degree programs includes parental involvement, teacher expectations, increased numbers of science and mathematics courses, and advanced mathematics and science courses. Educational reform efforts need to be more aggressive towards detracking within schools or African American students in both rural and urban areas will continue to experience a curriculum that prepares them for "dead-end", low wage earning jobs with little long-term security or opportunity for upward mobility.