Fresno Unified School District is adding another university to its HBCU Step-Up program, designed to increase graduation rates and improve college readiness.

The district partnered with Fort Valley State University, a historically Black college in Georgia, offering expanding dual enrollment opportunities to 70 more students from Sunnyside and McLane high schools.

Fort Valley State is a nationally respected university whose motto is “Empower the Possible.”

Dual Enrollment Opportunities

Currently, Fresno Unified cycles through dual-enrollment courses, offering one per semester. These range from communications to psychology — covering both general education and high school requirements.

The classes, earned from a four-year institution and taught by Ph-D-level professors, are widely accepted and easily transferable. This helps reduce the cost and time required to obtain a college degree. The program provides students of all backgrounds with the chance to earn up to 13 free college credits.

“Expanding the Step-Up program provides even more of our students with opportunities to experience the rigor of college courses and get a head start on their G.E. classes while they are still in high school,” said Superintendent Misty Her. “This initiative offers a variety of other benefits as well, including exposure to the academic, historical and cultural benefits of HBCUs.”

Participants Earn College Scholarships

Additionally, participants will visit the university as part of a nine-day college campus tour and gain priority admission.

There are scholarship opportunities for students who earn above a 3.2 grade point average.

Most students’ tuition and fees were covered by scholarships, while Pell Grants typically covered room and board expenses, according to district spokesperson Diana Diaz.

The program’s success extends beyond financial support. Students maintain regular contact with Dr. Cynthia Duncan, their College Success professor.

This ongoing support is particularly crucial for our first-generation college students, Diaz said.

History and Results of HBCU Step-Up Program

Fresno Unified launched the HBCU Step-Up program in 2022 in partnership with Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina.

The pilot program offered courses to students at Bullard, Edison, and Sunnyside high schools — the district’s largest high schools.

“What makes our HBCU program special is that it’s unique nationwide. Most colleges, especially in Georgia and other states, only offer these kinds of dual enrollment programs to students in their own state,” Diaz said.

HBCU Step-Up, currently in it’s third “cohort” of courses, has shown promising growth and impact, according to Diaz.

In the first cohort, comprised of 56 students, 32% went on to attend HBCUs and the remaining students enrolled in some form of higher education in California. Only three students are unaccounted for, choosing to enter the workforce or losing contact.

Cohort II showed strong academic gains — starting with an average GPA of 2.7 and graduating with a 3.3 GPA.

Almost all students went on to enroll in a college or university, including seven now attending Benedict College. The status of two students is unknown.

“We’re not sitting still though. We’re looking at bringing in another university partner in the next two years to serve Roosevelt and Hoover,” Diaz said. “But we’re doing this intentionally, taking our time, learning from what works, and making sure we get it right.”

Currently, students attending schools where the HBCU Step-Up program is not available have dual enrollment options through Fresno City College.

Requirements to Join Program

Multiple Fresno Unified departments — college and career readiness, Step-Up counselors, and the office of African American Academic Acceleration — identify students for the program based on their GPA.

A code of conduct agreement and agreement for participation must be signed before joining.

To participate, students must maintain a C or above in dual enrollment and high school courses, be in good behavioral standing and complete work by due dates.

Additionally, Fresno Unified requires members to participate in all Step-Up extracurricular activities, such as the HBCU College Campus Tour, Kickoff Reception, and Boot Camp.

The district offers college ready workshops that cover scholarships, admissions, and financial aid for students. There are also leadership conferences and activities.