California Will Welcome Its First-Ever HBCU This Year

Coming to California this upcoming school year will be a historic first: the state’s first HBCU. This landmark initiative results from a collaboration between Huston-Tillotson University (HTU), the National College Resources Foundation (NCRF), the San Diego County Office of Education, and the University of La Verne. With satellite campuses in San Diego and Los Angeles County, this marks a significant expansion of HBCU education on the West Coast.

HTU, an Austin-based HBCU, is spearheading this groundbreaking project. Dr. Melva Wallace, its president, expressed her excitement about this venture, stating, “We are so excited to partner with NCRF, the San Diego County Office of Education, and the University of La Verne to open an HBCU in California. I look forward to having you as a part of the RAM family.” This initiative not only provides an opportunity for students in California to experience an HBCU education but also aims to foster cultural representation and diversity in higher education.

The I.D.E.A.L. Summer Academy in Preparation for California

To kick off this ambitious project, HTU is launching the I.D.E.A.L. Summer Academy. This six-week program will start June 9 and end July 20 on HTU’s Austin campus. It is designed for incoming college freshmen or transfer students with no more than 60 credit hours. Participants will earn up to nine college credit hours, providing a solid foundation for their academic journey. The summer program involves in-person attendance over six weeks, ensuring students thoroughly immerse themselves in the HBCU experience.

Upon completion, students can smoothly migrate to one of HTU’s new California campuses, set to open for the Fall semester. Establishing these satellite campuses is a significant step toward expanding access to HBCU education in California. Historically, HBCUs have predominantly been in the southern United States. This expansion to California broadens HBCUs’ geographical reach. Furthermore, it addresses the long-standing need for such institutions in the state.