Oct. 30, 2023 (Denver) – The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) announced Coppin State University (CSU) will join its groundbreaking Bridge to HBCU initiative. The program guarantees new, first-time CCCS students admission to participating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) upon completion of an associate degree.

Officials, students, and staff from the institutions celebrated the partnership at a signing ceremony hosted at the Community College of Denver. Joe Garcia, chancellor of CCCS, applauded the expansion of the program.

“As an open access system, we believe transfer aspirations shouldn’t be limited to geographic boundaries,” said Chancellor Garcia. “We are thrilled to welcome Coppin State University as our third HBCU partner and provide our students even more options to pursue their college and career goals.”

Through the agreement, CSU will join Saint Augustine’s University and Texas Southern University as HBCU transfer destinations. Although many state colleges and universities are federally designated Hispanic Serving Institutions or Minority Serving Institutions—including seven CCCS colleges—there is no dedicated HBCU in Colorado.

“This partnership with the Colorado Community College System is exciting and creates a pathway that allows more scholars access to our nationally recognized healthcare, business, social science, and STEM programs,” said Coppin State University President Anthony L. Jenkins. “At Coppin State students come from around the world to study, reach their full potential, and build the lives they dream of, while enjoying an incredible urban HBCU experience, at Maryland’s most affordable university. We look forward to welcoming more students from Colorado to Eagle Nation.”

The initiative is an extension of CCCS’ Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree Program that guarantees transfer to participating colleges and universities upon earning an associate degree. Once enrolled, students receive early advising from their destination college to avoid retaking credits. They also benefit from additional services, such as academic counseling and financial aid, and do not have to take specific tests or pay for transfer application fees.

Since the Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree Program launched in June 2020, nearly 14,000 students have indicated their intent to transfer with about 2,400 currently enrolled in the program systemwide. More than 700 students have completed their associate degree and are now eligible to transfer to a partner university.

For more information on the Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree program, visit the CCCS website.

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About CCCS

The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education, delivering more than 1,000 programs to over 115,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college. Learn more at www.cccs.edu

About Coppin State University

Coppin State University, a Historically Black Institution founded in 1900 in Baltimore, Maryland, serves a multicultural and multigenerational student population. Coppin State University provides educational and experiential learning opportunities that foster leadership, social responsibility, civic and community engagement, cultural diversity, inclusivity, and economic development. Learn more at www.coppin.edu.