Historically Black Colleges and Universities

History of HBCUs

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were established in the South and East Coast of the United States in the 19^th century, to provide undergraduate and graduate level educational opportunities to people of African descent. Black students were unwelcome at existing public and private institutions of higher education, even after the passing of specific legislation resulting in a lack of higher education opportunities.

What is an HBCU?

There are over 100 HBCUs recognized by the US Department of Education. Most HBCUs award bachelor’s degree, graduate level/Masters/Professional degrees and doctoral degrees at competitive tuition rates. The majority of classes at HBCUs are smaller and are taught by professors in a nurturing and supportive environment.

HBCU Successes

Of those who graduated from an HBCU are:

40% are members of Congress
5% are CEOs
40% are Engineers
50% are Professors at Universities
50% are lawyers
80% of Judges

Eligibility Requirements

California Community College students with a GPA of 2.0 or higher is guaranteed admission to all partner HBCU institutions upon successful completion of one of the following requirements:

1. Complete an Associate degree for Transfer (ADT)
Or
2. Complete a minimum of 30 UC or CSU transferrable units.

Those students completing an Associates Degree (non-ADT) are welcome to apply to all HBCU partner institutions, however the benefits of guaranteed admission at junior status is not offered and all degree applicable units are subject to transcript evaluation.

HBCU Transfer Updates

Cal-HBCU Transfer Grant: In partnership with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), the Cal-HBCU Transfer Grant (Cal-HBCU) Program, awards up to $5,000 to participating students who transfer:

from California Community Colleges
to eligible, partnered Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

To apply for the program, a completed application must be emailed to the Cal-HBCU Team at CalHBCU@csac.ca.gov.

The application deadline for the Fall 2024-25 Term is August 26, 2024.
The application deadline for the Spring 2024-25 Term is January 31, 2025.

HBCU Caravan/ Black College Fair: Monday, November 4th, 2024 from 10am-2pm in the FCC cafeteria. Visit with over 40 universities in attendance. there will be workshops, scholarships awarded and on the spot admissions. RSVP Now

HBCU Scholarship: Opening in the Fall (Date is to be announced.) The scholarship will cover the recipient’s junior and senior year at an HBCU. Upon graduation, an internship opportunity will also be offered to the scholarship recipient. Requirements and the application can be found at, HBCU Scholarship

Podcast: Black and African American Student Success
Each episode will feature powerful student stories and highlight the invaluable resources that can make a difference for students considering college or participating in a dual enrollment program. At every turn in every podcast, listeners will be directed to the ICanGoToCollege.com website for additional information related to enrollment and retention, financial aid, student resources and more.