In a historic move for education, New York City will soon be home to the nation’s first HBCU Early College Prep High School, scheduled to open in September 2025.
The school, founded by Dr. Asya Johnson, an alumna of Delaware State University (DSU), will provide students with a unique opportunity to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree—all for free.
Dr. Johnson, a trailblazer in education, is leading this groundbreaking initiative in partnership with DSU, ensuring that scholars from Southeast Queens will experience the academic rigor and rich cultural heritage of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) right in the heart of NYC.
The high school will be a public school, offering an accelerated pathway to college while immersing students in the values and community of HBCUs.
Students attending the school will not only benefit from academic mentorship and support but will also gain valuable life experiences, such as summer programs on HBCU campuses both in the U.S. and abroad.
In a promotional video for the school, Dr. Johnson emphasized the importance of preparing students to be leaders and innovators, saying:
“This is the chance to get ahead, to be a part of something unprecedented that sets you up for success in college and beyond.”
With this pioneering educational model, the HBCU Early College Prep High School will stand as a beacon of excellence in urban education, empowering young minds and offering them the tools to achieve success in college and their future careers.
The program’s focus on both academic achievement and personal development underscores the mission of providing students with a sense of brotherhood, sisterhood, and lifelong friendships—an integral part of the HBCU experience.
