The proportion of blacks in graduate school during the 1980s decreased from the proportion in post-college educational programs during the previous decade. To shed light on this phenomenon, a highly motivated group of 146 black scholars who were in graduate school between 1977 and 1985 was studied. All of the subjects were college faculty members when they were given the opportunity for full-time study. Over 70% were graduates of historically black institutions. In this study, trends in participation of blacks in higher education are examined, the development of black colleges and the United Negro College Fund is reviewed and data collection and analysis procedures are explained. Data for 65 subjects who completed mailed questionnaires were analyzed. The results show that giving ample fellowship support is an effective way to increase the number of blacks with doctoral degrees. The study further indicates that predominantly white institutions must make deliberate efforts to increase participation by blacks and other minority students. Three questionnaires are appended. A 53-item list of references is included. (SLD)