by Khaleigh Reed, staff writer

The Colorado Community College system officially begins its first semester of the Bridge-to-HBCU program Fall 2023, a transfer agreement with two and possibly one more, Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The partnership with Texas Southern University in Houston as well as St. Augustine University in Raleigh, North Carolina will guarantee admission to concurrently-enrolled, first-time and current students who would like to attend these four-year institutions after receiving their associate degree from any of the CCCS colleges.

While it has been a work in progress, Ryan Ross, CCCS Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Equity & Inclusion says, “It’s a great opportunity for students to know they have access to HBCUs and have that ability to know they are accessible to African American students and that they can attend.”

While HBCUs do admit and support all students, this program exists to create options and new opportunities for people of color, especially black students.

Prospective students who find interest in attending TSU should be aware of the requirements. Students must have:

  • A minimum GPA of 2.0
  • At least 15 credit hours under their belt

For those interested in St. Augustine University, you must:

  • have a minimum GPA of 2.0 
  • have completed 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours
  • not be on social or academic suspension at the last or current school of attendance during the time of application

Included in the agreement, SAU and TSU will both provide financial benefits which includes scholarships, application fees waived as well as the possibility of being considered for in-state tuition. By reducing costs to allow students to better their education and experiences, these programs hope to entice many students.

TSU, for instance, is granting the possibility of in-state tuition and scholarships of around $5,000. While SAU is granting up to $9,000 dollars a year.

At this time only three students from Colorado Community Colleges are attending said HBCUs through this program. However, it is still to open to any student who has interest throughout the year.
Contact your PPSC admissions counselor for more information.

To speak with representatives directly, please contact the following:

TSU Transfer Coordinator: Meggan.Bernard@tsu.edu

Or look on their website TSU.edu

For SAU, you can find more information on the website:  St-aug.edu

Image of students from Texas Southern University

Image of students from Texas Southern University. Photo credit | TSU