{"id":3473,"date":"2025-09-07T20:02:39","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T00:02:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/multi.nycnewsnetwork.com\/nycpolitics\/education-revolution-hbcu-early-college-high-school-arrives-in-the-big-apple\/"},"modified":"2025-09-07T20:02:39","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T00:02:39","slug":"education-revolution-hbcu-early-college-high-school-arrives-in-the-big-apple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/nycpolitics\/education-revolution-hbcu-early-college-high-school-arrives-in-the-big-apple\/","title":{"rendered":"Education Revolution: HBCU Early College High School Arrives in the Big Apple"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pioneering Alliance with Delaware State University<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

New York City recently opened its very first HBCU Early College Prep High School<\/a><\/strong> in Queens, establishing a collaboration with Delaware State University (DSU)<\/a>. This school gives students the chance to earn as many as 64 tuition-free college credits, equivalent to an associate degree in Liberal Arts, before completing high school.<\/p>\n

A Major Step for NYC Education<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Welcoming its first group of over 100 ninth-grade students this September, the HBCU Early College Prep High School is guided by founder and principal Dr. Asya Johnson. As an HBCU graduate herself, Dr. Johnson has ensured the school will reflect both the scholarly and cultural legacies of HBCUs, offering experiences like Greek life, Founder\u2019s Day festivities, homecoming, and more signature HBCU celebrations.<\/p>\n

Mayor Eric Adams remarked, “This school year marks a new chapter as we invest further in our students\u2019 futures. The creation of seven new schools citywide, including the groundbreaking HBCU Early College Prep High School, enhances programs for students with autism, increases after-school seats, and much more. Our administration is dedicated to honoring the backgrounds and needs of our diverse student population while delivering rigorous academic preparation for lifelong success. A quality education is the foundation for making New York an ideal place to raise a family.”<\/p>\n

Advancing Equity and Opportunity<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Mayor Eric Adams Sept 2025 at the new HBCU Early Prep High School in Jamaica, Queens Photo credit: Micahel Appleton\/MayoralPhotography Office<\/p><\/div>\n

Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos explained, \u201cFor me, the first day of school is always special. Watching my daughter head to middle school reminded me of the trust parents put in our system. We’re determined to provide every student with a premier education that prepares them for achievement. This year, we’re opening new schools, including innovative programs and a device policy supporting focused learning, plus an expansion of NYC Reads and NYC Solves to 186 more schools. It\u2019s an honor to serve as chancellor during such a transformative moment, and I am eager to cheer on our students\u2019 accomplishments.\u201d<\/p>\n

Councilmember Kevin C. Riley stated, \u201cI\u2019m extremely proud of the launch of New York\u2019s first HBCU Early College Prep High School in partnership with Delaware State University. This initiative provides academic and cultural enrichment for students, breaking down tuition barriers as we nurture future leaders from our Black and Brown communities. It\u2019s a win for educational opportunity in our city.\u201d<\/p>\n

Broadening Reach Across NYC<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This HBCU Early College Prep High School forms part of seven newly launched schools across the city\u2014in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island\u2014serving over 500 students and offering specialized career-focused programs.<\/p>\n

For the new school year, several large-scale initiatives have also rolled out to benefit the city\u2019s 1 million public school students:<\/p>\n