Black and African American Student Success

Black Student Success Week is a statewide initiative focused on advancing Black student achievement, community, and opportunity across our colleges.

All current and prospective students are invited to join The Student Hour, hosted by the I Can Go To College campaign during Black Student Success Week, on April 20-23 from 6-7 p.m.

The Student Hour is a series of nightly webinars open to all students and parents to learn more about the opportunities available at California community colleges. During each webinar, students can discover valuable tips, tools, and resources, along with important information about the educational pathways available across California’s 116 community colleges. Plus, each night students can enter to win scholarships and prizes!

The Student Hour Schedule:

Monday, April 20, 2026 - Access Basic Needs/ Learn About Financial Intelligence

• Financial Intelligence

• Food and housing resources

• Budgeting and money management

• Scholarships and emergency grants

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 - Earn a Bachelor's Degree/Learn About Career Education at California community colleges

• California Community Colleges Bachelor’s Degree  

• Lower cost than four-year universities

• Industry Partnerships

• Career Education programs and certificates

• Apprenticeships

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 - Transfer to a Four-Year University

• Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) with guaranteed admission to CSU’s

• HBCU Transfer Agreement

• Transfer best practices and success stories

• Black Serving Institutions (BSI)

Thursday, April 23, 2026 - Cash for College Workshop 

• FAFSA/ CADAA navigation

• Financial aid myths and FAQs

• September 2^nd deadline

Starting January 1, 2025, California is making history with a new law (SB 1348) that puts Black students at the center of higher education. This groundbreaking Black-Serving Institution (BSI) designation is the first of its kind in the country and recognizes colleges and universities committed to helping Black students succeed.

Here’s what it takes for a college to earn the BSI designation:

• A Black student population of at least 10% or 1,500 students.

• Programs designed specifically to support Black student success.

• Dedicated resources to ensure these efforts work.

• Clear goals and progress tracking to show results over a five-year period.

The California Community Colleges system—already the nation’s largest higher education network—will play a big role in this initiative. Right now, 39 California community colleges meet the criteria to apply for the designation. Other public and private nonprofit colleges in the state are eligible too.

The California State University Statewide Central Office for the Advancement of Black Student Success, based at California State University, Sacramento, will oversee the process with help from a governing board.

Check Back Here!
We’ll start posting the names of colleges that receive the Black-Serving Institution designation right here and on their college pages as soon as they’re announced. Keep checking back as this may help you choose a college that truly sees you, supports you, and is ready to help you succeed.

Want to Learn More?
The I CAN Campaign is diving deeper into this important initiative with a special two-part episode of the EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast. Episode 6, Part 1 is live now! Hear from students and colleges working to earn the BSI designation and find out what this means for your future.

Visit our YouTube page to watch now!

The EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast shares stories and inspiration from California community college students, alumni, and administrators. Tune in to hear from students who refused to let the challenges in their life or the myths they heard, keep them from becoming leaders and difference makers. You’ll hear inspiring stories of hope and get connected to the resources you need to make your dreams a reality.

Check back often for more student stories and college myth-busting tips.

Across California community colleges, students are discovering new pathways to meaningful, future-focused careers through the rapidly growing Blue Economy. This episode explores how innovation, sustainability, and education are coming together to create real opportunities—especially for students seeking hands-on training and direct connections to in-demand jobs. From marine technology to clean energy and aquaculture, you’ll hear how community colleges are helping students turn curiosity into career.

Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, Associate Dean of the Center for Media and Design at Santa Monica College, breaks down what the Blue Economy is and why it matters. She highlights the wide range of emerging careers, the rapid job growth across the sector, and how community college programs are equipping students with the skills and certifications needed to enter the workforce quickly and confidently.

Jade Clemons, Director of Economic and Workforce Development at AltaSea, shares how cutting-edge research and industry partnerships are advancing sustainable solutions in ocean-based industries. She provides insight into the workforce landscape, the importance of environmental stewardship, and the growing career pathways connected to clean energy and ocean innovation.

Dante Gonzalez, a current student at Santa Monica College and West Los Angeles College, offers a firsthand perspective on navigating the community college system and finding his path within the Blue Economy. From discovering his passion to participating in a fellowship in regenerative aquaculture, Dante’s story highlights the power of access, mentorship, and opportunity.

Together, these voices paint a powerful picture of what’s possible when education meets innovation—opening doors to careers that not only support students’ futures but also help protect and sustain our planet. 

Did you happen to miss an episode? Catch up by visiting our YouTube page!

Get a head start, save money and time toward achieving your college goals. Dual enrollment is your opportunity to enroll in community college classes and earn college credit that may count toward your high school diploma. Some dual enrollment college courses can also count toward your high school diploma.

Find success right around the corner.

We understand students can face numerous challenges, like financial insecurity, access to resources, racial discrimination, and underrepresentation. Whether we’re working with community leaders and organizations or speaking directly to students, we’re committed to helping Black and African American students improve the future for themselves, their families, and their communities. It’s all part of our goal to help all students reach their educational goals and succeed in life.

Find your local college to learn what opportunities are right around the corner.

We’ve partnered with the CSU system, fully online and out-of-state universities and independent colleges and universities in California to guarantee saved spots for Black and African American transfer students looking to move on and earn their bachelor’s degree. Don’t miss out on this guaranteed transfer opportunity.

We’re proud to partner with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to offer guaranteed transfer to students who receive at least a 2.0 GPA and 30 transferable units. More than 30 HBCUs currently participate in our program, with more to come.

Undecided on your major? Thinking of exploring your culinary skills? Always dreamed of creating your own business? With over 200 hands-on career training programs, you’re sure to find something that works for you. The road to your future starts with enrolling in a career education program at a California community college.