In the United States, only 107 (or 3%) of colleges and universities are HBCUs. With this in mind, it leaves several predominantly Black and minority areas without an HBCU within a reasonable travel distance. A new initiative headed by HBCU Saint Augustine University (SAU) is making efforts to address the problem. 

To expand HBCUs’ impact on minority students, Saint Augustine University (SAU), located in North Carolina, recently announced that it is the nation’s first HBCU Urban Access Hub. The HBCU Urban Access Hub will provide a digital experience that allows people to gain college transfer credits for the university while never leaving their home institutions.

Students participating in the year-long program will be able to travel to SAU’s campus, participate in summer enrichment programs, and receive financial aid assistance such as scholarships. The program is available to students in the ninth grade up to community college. In addition, Detroit schools Wayne County Community College District (WCCD) and Cass Technical High School have joined the HBCU Urban Access Hub. 

The program will provide a cost-effective way for high school and community college students to enroll at SAU and receive transferable college credits while continuing their educations at their home institutions.

Dr. Curtis L Ivery, WCCD’s Chancellor, made the following statement on the new program (via PR Newswire):

“Our mission has always been to find pathways to better lives through education,” said Dr. Ivery. “We are very excited about the collaboration with SAU’s HBCU Urban Access Hub Program.”

Principal Lisa Phillips, the president of Cass Technical High School, announced her excitement about the new collaboration with SAU (via SAU):

“We were honored to have a visit from Saint Augustine’s University,” said Phillips. “President McPhail (of SAU) is a leader who makes a commitment and follows through with precision. I enjoyed the relaxed down-home meeting, and the leadership team made me want to re-enroll in their university. I’m looking forward to a great partnership with one of the most prestigious and oldest HBCUs in the country.”

The HBCU Urban Access Hub aims to collaborate with the participating schools to meet the program’s pillars, which are:

• Admissions & Advising

• Financial Aid

• Leadership & Commitment

• Outreach & Preparation

• Student Engagement & Academic Affairs

“Urban students need an HBCU experience,” said Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail, president of SAU. “The programs such as these epitomize the meaning of legacy building.” (SAU)

To stay updated with the HBCU Urban Access Hub, visit SAU’s page. 

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