Exceptional in its absence: Pioneering HBCU preparatory school debuts in New York City

A Unique Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Preparatory High School Opens in New York City

A groundbreaking new school has opened its doors in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York. HBCU Early College Prep, the city's first HBCU-specific preparatory high school, is set to provide a unique educational experience for its students.

The school's mission, as stated by its founder, Johnson, is to cultivate a community of learners dedicated to academic excellence, diversity, societal contributions, and social justice. Johnson, a graduate of Delaware State University, a historically Black land-grant research university, emphasizes the school's commitment to preparing students for the real world, not just providing high school diplomas and associates degrees.

According to Johnson, it's important to expose students to their roots and what exists beyond their local area. This philosophy is reflected in the school's rigorous curriculum, which includes online college courses taught by DSU professors starting in 11th grade. Students attending HBCU Early College Prep will earn up to 64 college credits for an associate's degree in liberal arts from DSU and are guaranteed admission there.

The school, which has 100 seats, received over 1,000 applicants for its first year. The high demand for the school is a testament to the need for such an institution in the city. The school's opening was attended by New York City Mayor Eric Adams and other policymakers, who expressed their support for the school's mission.

Sean-Reed McGee, CEO of FocusQuest, a company that helps HBCUs with recruiting, has been tapped as one of the school's official partners. McGee called the partnership a "game-changer." The partnership will undoubtedly help the school in its recruitment efforts and provide valuable resources to its students.

HBCUs enroll nearly 10% of all Black U.S. undergraduates and promote the majority of Black doctors, lawyers, and judges, according to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The school's focus on academic excellence, diversity, and social justice aligns with the mission of HBCUs, making it an ideal partner for such institutions.

Johnson, the school's founder, stated that HBCUs and their schools, in particular, are not just for students who are Black; anyone can attend. This inclusive approach is reflected in the school's selection process, which required prospective students to complete an essay solving a technology or health care issue in their community and record a two-minute video discussing how they would use their degree to give back to their community.

The school's focus on preparing students for the real world and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) make it a valuable addition to the educational landscape of New York City. With the lack of HBCUs north of Pennsylvania on the East Coast, including in New York, the school is poised to fill a significant gap in the education system. Johnson's concern about institutions rolling back DEI initiatives underscores the importance of the school's mission.

In conclusion, HBCU Early College Prep is a unique and much-needed addition to the educational landscape of New York City. Its focus on academic excellence, diversity, societal contributions, and social justice, as well as its commitment to preparing students for the real world, make it an ideal institution for students seeking a high-quality education that prepares them for success in the 21st century.

Exceptional in its absence: Pioneering HBCU preparatory school debuts in New York City