Black and African American Student Success
Discover all the ways you can meet your college and career goals
Black and African American Students Can Succeed at California Community Colleges
California Community Colleges offers many on-campus resources and support services to help you reach your academic goals. Learn more about our programs and services, including financial aid and scholarships, transfer opportunities, state and federal assistance programs, and career education support.
BLACK-SERVING INSTITUTION (BSI)
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. External page 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. External page to watch now!
Don’t miss this podcast!
The EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast. External page 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.
Join us for an insightful episode exploring the power of Equitable Placement in transforming student success.
Pamela Haynes, California Community Colleges Board of Governors, shares her expertise on Equitable Placement, explaining how it saves students time and money while creating an equitable playing field for transfer to four-year universities.
Dr. Rob Rubalcaba, Associate Professor at San Diego City College, offers a mathematician’s perspective on how Equitable Placement removes barriers to learning and fosters critical problem-solving skills.
Shay Dangerfield, a student at San Diego State University, shares her inspiring journey of overcoming life’s challenges and how Equitable Placement helped her grasp math concepts, build confidence, and give back to her community.
Special Musical Performance by Sky Palace, former Santa Rosa Jr. College student.
Did you happen to miss an episode? Catch up by visiting our YouTube page. External page!
Dual Enrollment
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.
College Close to Home
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.
Apply for financial aid
There's financial aid available to help cover college costs like tuition, textbooks, supplies—and sometimes even rent.
To get started, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). External page or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). External page. You can apply for financial aid year-round. No matter your financial situation, it's always free to apply, opening the door to most types of financial aid.
Use our locator tool to get contact information for your local college financial aid office to learn more. Here are just a few financial aid options:
The Gates Scholarship
Scholarship
This highly selective, last-dollar scholarship is available for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households.
Ron Brown Scholar Program
Scholarship
Applicants for this scholarship must be low-income Black or African American high school seniors. This selective program looks for students who demonstrate an interest in public service, entrepreneurship, and community involvement.
AMS Minority Scholarships
Scholarship
The American Meteorological Society awards this scholarship to minority students. Applicants must be starting their first year of college and intend to pursue a career in atmospheric or related oceanic and hydrologic sciences.
American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) Scholarship
Scholarship
AABE awards 13 annual scholarships to underrepresented minority high school seniors, including African Americans. Students must pursue a major in business, technology, engineering, mathematics, or one of the physical sciences.
Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Spouses Education Scholarship
Scholarship
Eligible applicants include Black and African American students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. High school seniors may also apply. Applicants must live or go to school in a CBC Members district.
National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Scholarship Program
Scholarship
The NBNA offers numerous scholarships for Black and African American students pursuing a career in nursing. Students must be NBNA members currently enrolled in a nursing program.
ACS Scholars Program
Scholarship
Open to applicants intending to major or are already majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical technology, or another chemistry-related science AND planning to pursue a career in a chemistry-related science as well.
STUDY.COM SCHOLARSHIP FOR BLACK STUDENTS
Bringing historically underrepresented students access to a quality education
Provides a $2,000 academic award to a Black student who is pursuing an undergraduate or graduate college degree. Graduating high school seniors who meet the eligibility criteria may apply.
C.L. SCHOLARSHIP OF BLACK WOMEN IN ENGINEERING
Supporting Black women who are passionate about breaking into the field of engineering
Open to African American female high school seniors or undergraduate students currently enrolled in an accredited engineering program. Minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrated passion for pursuing a career in engineering.
THE BILL H. JAMES FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP FOR ASPIRING AFRICAN AMERICAN ENGINEERS
A Scholarship Fund For Aspiring African American Engineers
For Black or African American U.S. citizens pursuing a degree/course of study in engineering at an accredited university/college in California. Undergraduate students must be entering their junior or senior year and carry a minimum of 12 units per semester/quarter. Minimum 3.2 GPA.
NATIONAL BLACK COLLEGE ALUMNI HALL OF FAME GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarship
Open to Black or African American undergraduate and graduate students attending postsecondary institutions, with a preference given to students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Associate Degree for Transfer
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.
Guarantee Transfer to Historically Black Colleges and Universities
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.
Career Education
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.
On-Campus Organizations
You’ll find many Black-led and created student organizations and clubs on our campuses. Every campus has different groups, though, so check with your local college.
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UmojaUmoja is a critical educational and community resource dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of African American students. Umoja actively serves and promotes academic student success, personal growth, and self-actualization for students through its academic programs and services and champions equity through its annual comprehensive faculty development and training which supports a curriculum and pedagogy responsive to the legacy of the African and African Americans.
You can find a listing of community colleges that have an Umoja chapter. External page. If your college does not have an Umoja chapter, you can still get involved. Reach out to a regional coordinator. External page to learn more. -
A²MENDA²MEND provides an affirming environment where African American students are able to thrive, especially male students and other men of color. A²MEND charters at California community college campuses provide educational, cultural, social and intellectual programs that promote positivity and brotherhood among its members.
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The Nandi OrganizationThe Nandi Organization is a non-profit organization on a mission to serve, support, and empower Black women in the community college system. Through professional development programs, mentorship, scholarship, research and advocacy, Nandi provides our expertise to California Community Colleges to help ensure the success of Black women professionals and students.
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Black Student UnionCheck our College locator tool to find if your local campus has a Black Student Union.
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Pipelines 2 PossibilitiesThe Pipelines to Possibilities Program (P2P) offers a HBCU graduate internship program designed to develop an intentional faculty pipeline within the California Community College Districts. Through proactive recruitment, hiring, and retention of diverse tenured faculty, P2P aims to diminish equity gaps and meet the needs of diverse student populations to improve student success.
Food and Housing
Food and/or housing insecurity are real concerns for many of our students. Students can find information on basic needs support services – such as food pantries, housing and transportation – at their local community college. There are also student support programs, like CalFresh. External page, that help students buy food and eat healthier by giving them extra cash for groceries. We want our students to get the support they need to remain focused on their education and success.
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On-Campus HousingSome California community colleges offer on-campus housing options. Take the next step and see if on-campus housing. External page is available near you.
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Free Money for GroceriesMany California community college students are eligible for CalFresh. External page, a program that helps them buy food and eat healthier. CalFresh benefits are not income and don’t impact your taxes or financial aid. Find out if you qualify today.
Undocumented Student Resources
California Community Colleges knows “undocumented” applies to students from all backgrounds, including Black students not born in the U.S. We understand the challenges undocumented students face and are here to help with a variety of resources.
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California Department of Social Services/DACA SupportCalifornia Department of Social Services funds programs and provides community education that helps immigrants living in California, including DACA students.
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Immigration Legal Resource CenterImmigration Legal Resource Center works with immigrants, community organizations and the legal sector to help build a society that values diversity and rights.
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Supporting Undocumented StudentsCalifornia community colleges offer numerous services to undocumented students including students with a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) work permit and those without one
Foster Youth Services
Sometimes the hardest part about getting your college education is steering your way around all the bumps in the road. That’s where NextUp comes in.
The NextUp program offers eligible current and former foster youth with support and resources that make a difference. This could include help with books and supplies, transportation, tutoring, food, childcare, emergency housing, and more.
Use our College Locator to find contact information and connect directly with the NextUp program at your local community college campus.
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NextUp - For Foster Youth Student SuccessThis program helps eligible current and former foster youth achieve their goals at a California community college. Visit the NextUp area of our website to learn more and find out what support is available.
