Unique HBCU Preparatory School Launches in NYC

New York City has unveiled an unprecedented educational institution: a preparatory high school designed to foster readiness for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) within a major American metropolis.

Johnson highlighted a pressing issue, stating in an ABC News interview, "Across the nation, there's insufficient awareness about HBCUs. We often discuss college access broadly, but lack sufficient celebration and education on its history and statistics."

According to organizations like the United Negro College Fund and Thurgood Marshall College Fund, HBCUs cater to nearly 10% of all African American undergraduates in the U.S., and they are pivotal in graduating a significant number of Black professionals in medicine, law, and the judiciary.

With no HBCUs situated north of Pennsylvania on the East Coast, New York has been notably absent on the map of these historic institutions.

Johnson, an alumna of Delaware State University, a historic Black land-grant research university, expressed a desire to reconnect students with their cultural heritage.

She emphasized the imperative need for an HBCU-focused high school, explaining to ABC News, "Such an institution is crucial because nothing like it exists. We often neglect to inform students of opportunities existing beyond our immediate geographic areas. Why not broaden their horizons?"

Johnson, alongside NYC Mayor Eric Adams and other city officials, celebrated the school's inaugural opening.

Regarding the incoming students, Johnson remarked, "From the moment they step through these doors, our commitment and care for them will be palpable."

Situated in Queens' Jamaica neighborhood, the school offers 100 available seats, but received over 1,000 applications for its first year, Johnson reported. Applicants needed to submit an essay proposing solutions to a community technological or healthcare challenge and present a two-minute video about how their future degree would contribute to their communities.

The school's core mission is to foster a "community of learners devoted to academic superiority, diversity, societal engagement, and social justice," as detailed on its website.

Beginning in their junior year, students will engage in online college-level courses taught by DSU professors.

Delaware State University President Tony Allen, addressing the audience at the school's launch, emphasized that HBCUs have significantly contributed to the evolution of the Black middle class for over 150 years.

"For students from under-resourced backgrounds aiming to enter the middle class and enhance their economic standing, attending an HBCU is often the most effective route," Allen stated.

Enrolled students are given the opportunity to earn up to 64 college credits, equivalent to an associate's degree in liberal arts from DSU, with guaranteed subsequent admission to the university.

Johnson explained their objective: "Beyond high school diplomas and associate degrees, our goal is to equip these students for active participation as informed citizens."

FocusQuest, an organization aiding HBCUs in recruitment, has partnered with the school for this venture. CEO Sean-Reed McGee described this alliance as transformative.

Addressing concerns around diversity and inclusion, Johnson emphasized that the institution is open to all, stating, "HBCUs, and notably our school, welcome students of diverse backgrounds. Anyone can apply to HBCU Early College Prep here in New York City."