NYC Opens First HBCU Early College Prep High School in Jamaica, Queens

Inaugural Class Welcomed

• 🎓 HBCU Early College Prep High School has opened its doors in Jamaica, Queens, marking a new opportunity for New York City public school students.
• ✨ The school aims to provide students with an HBCU experience and a direct path to higher education.

Earning College Credits Early

• 📚 Students at this new school have the unique opportunity to earn college credits while in high school.
• 🎓 The program allows scholars to graduate with an associate's degree, providing a significant head start on their college education.
• 🎯 This initiative is designed to offer a kickstart for students pursuing higher education, addressing challenges many face in college.

Partnership and Historical Context

• 🤝 The Department of Education partnered with Delaware State University, a historically black college, to establish this program.
• 📜 HBCUs played a vital role in providing higher education to African-Americans before the Civil Rights Movement, when they were excluded from other institutions.

Student Aspirations

• 🌟 Students like Riley Douglas are excited about the prospect of attending institutions like Spelman University and Howard University.
• ⚖️ Many students have clear future goals, with aspirations to study fields such as law, sociology, and psychology.

Significance in NYC Education

• 🏫 HBCU Early College Prep is the first school of its kind in New York City.
• 🏫 It is one of seven such school sites opening across the nation this academic year.