Berkeley City College has been selected as part of the inaugural cohort of California institutions designated as Black-Serving Institutions (BSIs), a state recognition for colleges that demonstrate excellence in supporting Black and African American students.
The designation was awarded on December 8 to BCC and 30 other institutions statewide, including UC Berkeley and UC Davis, three CSU campuses, 24 community colleges, and one private university.
“This designation recognizes your leadership and longstanding commitment to advancing Black student success, equity, and belonging within higher education,” said BJ Snowden, Ed.D., Interim Executive Director of the CSU Central Office for Advancement of Black Student Success. “Your institution’s work has helped to shape a more just and responsive educational landscape for Black students across California, and we are deeply appreciative of your ongoing efforts.”
BCC submitted its application in June 2025, which included a 5-year strategic plan to support Black and African American Student Success. The plan’s initiative focuses on four tent-pole strategies to achieve its goal: community-rooted outreach and enrollment efforts, scaling academic and wraparound support services, strategic resource allocation for sustainable impact, and professional learning and institutional culture change.
In alignment with the 5-year strategic plan to support Black and African American Student Success, BCC is proud to welcome the A2Mend Program to the Society of Scholars Learning Communities this Fall. The addition of the A2Mend program along with the thriving Umoja Community at BCC aligns with the strategic goal to scale up academic and wraparound services, offering dedicated embedded counseling, book support, identity-affirming events, leadership development, and culturally relevant pedagogy. Embedded tutoring will exist within courses to promote success in gateway subjects.
“I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to all of our faculty, classified staff, and administrators. Your daily dedication and collaborative efforts have made this recognition possible," said President Denise Richardson.