Delaware State to Launch New HBCU Program Partnership With NYC High School

This is a game-changer!

Delaware State University has partnered with New York City Public Schools to launch a first-of-its-kind early college program supported by an HBCU, Black Enterprise reports. The HBCU-led program will launch at a new high school opening in Queens, with students allowed to enroll in the program and earn college credits before graduation. The new program is an extension of NYC Schools Chancellor David Banks’ commitment to offer more accelerated high schools in areas that need it the most, citing Vice President Kamala Harris’ HBCU background as inspiration for the new program. 

“We are following through on this administration’s promise to open three accelerated high schools in underserved neighborhoods. HBCUs have produced so many of our country’s leaders, from scientists to executives, artists to athletes to politicians, including our Vice President Kamala Harris. I’m beyond proud that our students will soon benefit from and become a part of that legacy,” Banks told reporters. 

The program will offer college courses for students beginning freshman year, allowing them to attend classes, both virtually and in person, taught by Delaware State professors. Students will be able to graduate with their associate’s degrees and be guaranteed admission to Del State, offering an opportunity for early college graduation. 

 

 

 

 

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“It’s just mind-blowing. It’s life-changing for a lot of people,” said founding principal & DSU alumna Asya Johnson.  

Johnson will be helping to spearhead the school’s efforts, mapping out further plans for HBCU tours, internships, and study-abroad opportunities supported by Del State. The high school campus will also infuse HBCU foundational principles on their campus. The school is set to open next fall, and students who are admitted will be paired with a “Success Coach,” who is a member of Del State’s faculty to help guide them through their academic journey. 

“We knew…we really wanted to be super innovative, do something outside the box. And the reality is this: There are many students in New York City who attend HBCUs, but they never really get the magic sauce until they get to the campus. So we really wanted to bridge that gap,” explained Shawn Rux, senior executive director of development and design for the new school. 

In addition to Delaware State’s new high school initiative, the University has also launched the first HBCU clothing line, partnering with Atlanta-based business Everything Collegiate, LLC, to own and distribute their very own private clothing line, Black Enterprise reports. The custom merch will be sold online and via Amazon and Walmart. It provides a unique revenue stream for the university and the opportunity for student input on the clothing line, with five percent of all sales going towards scholarships. 

Students looking to enroll at the new Del State-supported Southeast Queens, NY, high school can submit their grades, a two-minute personal statement video, and required writing prompts HERE. The deadline for applications is December 4th.