LIFT UP,
LEVEL UP

Black Student Success Week

April 21 - April 25, 2025

In 2020, a dedicated coalition of leaders and advocates within the California Community Colleges pioneered the creation of Black Student Success Week. This annual event, observed during the last week of April, offers a time to reflect on our commitment to the academic well-being of Black and African American students.

The sixth annual Black Student Success Week is scheduled for April 21-25, 2025. This year’s theme is Lift Up, Level Up: The Rise of Black Serving Institutions. The 2025 Black Student Success Week will emphasize how we are serving Black and African American students to support and ensure their success in community colleges and beyond.

Black Student Success Week 2025

Daily

Monday - Friday

#TheBlackHour

12-1pm PT

Throughout the week, #TheBlackHour webinars will share insights and approaches for improving student success among Black and African American students in community colleges. These daily webinars are open to community college administrators, staff, faculty, practitioners, and students.

SEE WEBINAR SCHEDULE BELOW FOR DETAILS AND REGISTRATION LINKS

#TheAfterParty

1-2pm PT

Join us for daily small group discussion forums immediately following #TheBlackHour webinars. These facilitated discussion forums will provide an opportunity for participants to debrief and reflect on topics and themes highlighted during #TheBlackHour.

INFORMATION ON HOW TO PARTICIPATE COMING SOON

#TheStudentHour

6-7pm PT

This student-centered series focuses on the needs and resources available to help current and prospective college students succeed. Working with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office “I Can Go To College” campaign, #TheStudentHour webinars occur Monday through Friday from 6 to 7 pm.

WEBINAR DETAILS AND REGISTRATION LINKS COMING SOON

#THEBLACKOUT Advocacy Day

Thursday, April 24th

Join us for Advocacy Day, an opportunity for stakeholders and interested parties to (VIRTUALLY) engage with local elected officials and key higher education policymakers to discuss priorities for ensuring Black student success.

No prior legislative advocacy experience is needed. We will provide you with all resources, training, and supported needed to successfully participate.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

#TheBlackHour Webinar Schedule

Monday, April 21

12-1pm PT

click here to register

The Rise of Black-Serving Institutions

The webinar explores the growing need for a formal Black Serving Institution (BSI) designation, focusing on California community colleges. The session emphasizes how a BSI designation addresses systemic inequities, enhances resources, and improves educational outcomes, ensuring these colleges better serve their communities.

Tuesday, April 22

12-1pm PT

click here to register

Black Servingness: Maintaining Our Voice and Action

This session will explore the importance of "Black Servingness" nationally and in the state of California. Servingness involves surrounding students, faculty, staff with the cultural ambiance that allows and prioritizes their cultural heritage in ways that profoundly support and affirm their dignity and sense of belonging. As we navigate these unprecedented times in higher education, this session will focus on what actions can be taken now to shape "Black Servingness" at institutions of higher education.

Wednesday, April 23

12-1pm PT

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Power Moves: Equipping Black Talent for Tomorrow's Workforce

This session is a dynamic workshop designed to empower Black students with the tools, insights, and inspiration needed to thrive in high-growth industries. The session offers participants a rare opportunity to engage with top Black CEOs who have excelled in fields driving the future of work: cybersecurity, healthcare, and skilled trades.

Thursday, April 24

12-1pm PT

click here to register

Putting the AFRICAN in African American Student Success

In Fall 2024, 375 educators and leaders from across the state attended the second All African Diaspora Education Summit (ADES) in Ghana, Africa, to learn about African-centered ways of being, thinking, teaching, and learning. Learn more about the Summit, African-centered education, and how faculty are activating what they learned to create Black-serving classrooms and institutions.

Friday, April 25

12-1pm PT

click here to register

Live from the Frontlines of Black Student Success: Accounts from Practitioners and Executive Leadership

Join us for a session highlighting real-time reflections from esteemed Black Student Success Practitioners and Executive Leadership working tirelessly to lift up and level up the movement.

Two black women having a conversation with each other while wearing backpacks in front of a building during the day.

LEVEL UP AND GET REAL

By actively engaging in #BlackStudentSuccess initiatives, you contribute to creating a more supportive and empowering educational experience for Black students.

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