California is set to welcome its first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in 2025. According to Ebony, Huston-Tillotson University, an HBCU based in Austin, Texas, will launch two satellite campuses in Los Angeles and San Diego, responding to growing demands for a West Coast presence.
The HBCU’s website notes that over the past decade, many California residents have enrolled at the school’s home campus in Austin, obtaining degrees in their dual credit and online programs.
“Through broader conversations and the desires of various educational entities in California, we have entered collaborative agreements to establish a ‘boots on the ground’ experience for those who wish to enroll and be involved in the culture and climate of the HBCU experience,” the school stated.
Huston-Tillotson University will start offering degree coursework in January 2025. This exciting new HBCU will provide both curriculum and co-curricular experiences for students enrolling at the off-site campus, fulfilling their Liberal Studies requirements. If all goes according to schedule, they should secure approval for a branch campus in California by August 2025.
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Huston-Tillotson University’s California campus’ will offer its I.D.E.A.L Summer Academy program to freshmen.
If you’re a prospective freshman interested in enrolling at Huston-Tillotson University’s California campus, consider joining the six-week I.D.E.A.L. Summer Academy, running from June 9 to July 20. This unique program invites students to explore their academic and career interests through critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and effective communication.
The I.D.E.A.L. Summer Academy offers incoming HT freshmen a dynamic blend of academic and social experiences, designed to ignite a passion for learning and cultivate exceptional leadership skills. Participants can earn up to nine college credit hours and gain eligibility for the fall schedule at the Huston-Tillotson University’s campus, including locations in Los Angeles/Inland Empire and San Diego, as noted by Ebony.
“By creating a satellite campus in California, Huston-Tillotson University is addressing the longstanding lack of Historically Black Colleges and Universities on the West Coast,” Dr. Melva K. Wallace, president and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University, highlighted of the educational initiative’s importance.
“As one of the westernmost HBCUs, HT is positioned, literally and figuratively, to bring its legacy of academic excellence and cultural empowerment to a region where the benefits of an HBCU have been largely absent. We will bridge a historical gap designed to meet the urgent demand for educational spaces that prioritize Black students’ cultural, social, and academic needs.”
Dr. Wallace added, “Most importantly, our presence will further serve to attract students who previously had to relocate far from home to attend an HBCU. By bringing HT closer to them, we remove financial and logistical barriers, allowing more students to benefit from an HBCU education without the need for long-distance travel or significant financial strain.”
HT California is a partnership between Huston-Tillotson University, the National College Resources Foundation, the San Diego County Office of Education, and the University of La Verne.
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