BAASE students experience amazing HBCU tour

Story by Sasha Fisher, Student Success Coordinator

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the word”
– Nelson Mandela

Before the Civil Rights Movement, HBCU’s were the only institutions Black people could attend to pursue a college degree. It is important for our students to know of ALL the possibilities to fulfil their dreams of a college education CCC-HBCU Transfer Agreement with 39 HBCU’s (2.0 GPA and ADT) AB 1400 offers a one-time 5K grant to students who transfer from California Community Colleges.

In partnership with 22-Ways Leadership Academy, 24 students throughout SCCCD participated in the second district-wide Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Tour. The HBCU Tour took place on October 16-20, 2024 that included Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Alabama State University, Morris Brown, Morehouse College, Tuskegee University and several cultural excursions.

Students who participated traveled to Atlanta, Georgia and embarked on an unforgettable experience. The HBCU Tour’s purpose was to prepare community college students to have qualified options to transfer into a four year university to help students pursue their advanced degree. Students were also inspired to excel in their academics and successfully meet their educational goals at SCCCD.

In addition to touring the HBCU campuses, all 24 students explored historical locations that were educational, enjoyable, and entertaining. These cultural excursions included the Illuminarium - ‘Giza Plateau and the Great Pyramid of Giza’ exhibit using Virtual Reality headsets, The Legacy Museum, Clark-Atlanta University homecoming game, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center – The King Center, and even stood in front of the birth home of Martin Luther King, Jr. This was such as great experience for EVERY student.

Each night, every student engaged in a self-reflection and group discussion to share highlights of the day’s tours, excursions, and cultural experiences. These discussions lead to personal growth and awareness and a time to hear peers’ perspectives.

Opportunities such as these opened the eyes of students to see and witness what is possible. Students were able to witness and see positive shared experiences and examples of what it means to rise up and use education to better the outcomes and quality of their life. This trip aimed to motivate and inspire SCCCD students to envision themselves as college graduates and empower them to celebrate who they are and appreciate the growth and strides taken by our ancestors. The HBCU Tour highlighted the importance of pursuing higher education opportunities.

Student voices

“Just the culture. I have never experienced something like this before!”

“What I appreciate most about the HBCU experience is the sense of community and belonging inside of the campus. And I also appreciate being able to have the opportunity to get a job after I finish my college experience as well and I also love the city and seeing more people that look like me”.

I got to ask questions and get them answered in real time. I especially liked that I got to experience this with other students”

“What I appreciated most about the HBCU experience was the strong sense of community and cultural pride that permeated each campus. The nurturing environment, combined with a focus on academic excellence and leadership development, made it clear how these institutions empower their students to succeed. I was also impressed by the deep-rooted history and traditions that each HBCU upholds, creating a unique and supportive atmosphere for learning and personal growth”.

“It gave me the experience of being immersed into the culture that I would have missed out of. I got to network and build meaningful connections with the people I had met. This tour also gave me the will to pursue higher education and make myself proud”.