News Summary
Delaware State University has launched its first HBCU Early College Prep High School in Jamaica, Queens, New York City, welcoming 125 students. The school aims to provide educational opportunities to under-resourced communities, allowing students to earn college credits while in high school. This innovative program, a collaboration with New York City Public Schools, focuses on enhancing college readiness and addressing equity issues faced by Black and Brown youth. The initiative reflects DSU’s commitment to expanding access to quality education beyond Delaware.
New York City Launches HBCU Early College Prep High School
Delaware State University (DSU) has officially opened its first HBCU Early College Prep High School in New York City, located in Jamaica, Queens, on September 4, 2025. The new school welcomed 125 inaugural students, marking a significant milestone in providing educational opportunities for under-resourced communities.
The establishment of the high school comes as a product of a partnership between DSU and the New York City Public Schools. Despite receiving more than 1,100 applications, the program could only accommodate 125 students this year due to space limitations.
Curriculum and Opportunities
This state-of-the-art high school is modeled after DSU’s successful Early College High School in Dover, Delaware. It offers students the chance to earn up to 64 college credits — equivalent to an associate degree — while still in high school. This educational model aims to enhance college readiness and workforce preparedness among students, particularly from under-resourced backgrounds.
Dr. Kareem McLemore, vice president for strategic enrollment management and international affairs at DSU, emphasized that this initiative aims to change the financial trajectories of students’ families by equipping them with valuable educational resources and opportunities that are often lacking in New York City.
Strengthening Community Connections
The opening of the HBCU Early College Prep High School strengthens DSU’s presence in New York, which represents its largest out-of-state student market. Dr. Asya Johnson, a DSU alum, is the founding principal of the new school, guiding the vision and direction of the educational program.
DSU aims to expose students to the unique experiences associated with HBCUs, such as cultural activities, Greek life, and Homecoming events, at an earlier stage. By doing so, the university hopes to make college more accessible and affordable for minority students in the region.
Funding and Educational Impact
Funding for the program has been integrated into New York City’s charter school budget framework, ensuring that the necessary resources are allocated for the school’s successful operation. Courses will be taught by DSU professors, allowing students to interact directly with faculty members in a synchronous format, providing a distinct college environment.
The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of New York City Public Schools to enhance educational quality and expand options for families in the area. By breaking barriers in education, this program is particularly focused on addressing equity issues and creating opportunities for Black and Brown youth.
A Future-Focused Commitment
The launch of the HBCU Early College Prep High School reflects Delaware State University’s commitment to broadening educational opportunities beyond Delaware. It caters to a diverse student population seeking quality education and support as they advance toward higher education.
Inaugural events included a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by prominent leaders such as Mayor Eric Adams and Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, emphasizing the importance of this project to the local community and the commitment to educational excellence.
Overall, the establishment of Delaware State University’s new high school in Queens represents a vital step in expanding access to higher education for students who have traditionally faced barriers, offering them a promising start on their educational journeys.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Delaware Business Times
- Wikipedia: Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- Black Enterprise
- Google Search: HBCU Early College Prep High School
- Delaware Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Delaware Business Now
- Google News: Delaware State University HBCU school
- NY Carib News
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