San Diego Community College District

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 2024 Black Student Success Week is scheduled for April 22-26, 2024. This year’s theme is Building a Better Future Together: the Urgency is Now. The 2024 Black Student Success Week will focus on innovative approaches to ensure Black and African American students succeed in community colleges.

Daily

Monday - Friday

#TheBlackHour
12-1 p.m.
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.

#TheAfterParty
1-2 p.m. 
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.
#TheStudentHour

6-7 p.m. 
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 occurn from 6 to 7 p.m.  Monday through Thursday.

#THEBLACKOUT ADVOCACY DAY

Thursday, April 25th
Join us for Advocacy Day, an opportunity for stakeholders and interested parties to engage with local elected officials and key higher education policymakers to discuss priorities for ensuring Black student success, and how to get involved. Information on participating in Advocacy Day is forthcoming.

#TheBlackHour Webinar Schedule

Monday, April 22
Noon-1 p.m.
California Community College Bachelor’s Degree Programs: Are They Delivering on the Dream for Black Students?
California Community College began granting bachelor’s degrees with a CTE focus in 2015. Approximately 5 students (current and recent graduates) will serve on the panel to discuss their participation in a CTE Bachelor’s Degree program across the CCC system. The session will help viewers gain insight into student awareness, access, program experience, and benefits upon completion. The session will explore any obstacles/roadblocks the student may experience that may have impacted outcomes. 
Register here on Zoom

Tuesday, April 23
Noon-1 p.m.
Combatting the Affirmative Action Ban: Levers for Increasing Black Student Success at the State and Federal Level
Hear from state, local, and federal experts on how we streamline and scale racially equitable policies and what is next for California as a state who has navigated the ban on affirmative action for over two decades. Speakers will address K-12 to higher education pathways, affordability policies, and how Black students can navigate the college-going process in a “race-blind” admissions landscape.
Register here on Zoom

Wednesday, April 24
Noon-1 p.m.
Empowering Black Excellence: Policies, Workforce Development, and Apprenticeships for College-to-Career Success
"Empowering Black Excellence" is a dynamic and insightful workshop that will inspire, inform, and equip participants with the knowledge and tools to make a difference in the lives of Black students through innovative practices. This session delves into the intersection of policy, workforce development, and apprenticeship programs as they pertain to Black students' educational and professional journey.
Register here on Zoom

Thursday April 25
Noon-1 p.m.
Just Because We Make It Look Easy, Doesn’t Mean It Is
In this session, we will highlight and engage practitioners on the front lines of Black student success in the community college system from across the state. Join us as we learn about innovative strategies for engagement, outreach, foundational community building, and responsive programming that have yielded holistic success for our students across the state.
Register here on Zoom

Friday, April 26
Noon-1 p.m.
AI and Racial Equity
Faculty and leading experts in digital innovation will take a deep look at the pros and cons of the use of artificial intelligence (AI). They will lead a discussion on the increased implications AI may have on Black learners in the educational system. Viewers will benefit from the latest research and tools on how to incorporate AI into educational spaces.
Register here on Zoom