Andrea Stevens
AFRO Staff Writer
astevens@afro.com

A groundbreaking partnership between New York City Public Schools and Delaware State University is now offering Southeast Queens students a unique opportunity: the chance to earn college credits–and even an associate’s degree– at a Black institution before finishing high school.

Dr. Evelyn Edney discusses the importance of students receiving quality college-level prep, also being exposed to the college experience early helps open their mind to more opportunities. Credit: Photo courtesy/ Evelyn Edney

The NYC HBCU Early College Prep Program, is the first of its kind in the city to directly partner with a historically Black college or university (HBCU). The program began this fall and builds on the success of previous early college models while incorporating the cultural and academic foundations of HBCUs. The initiative offers students not only a rigorous education but also a supportive and identity-affirming experience.

This inaugural cohort of ninth graders is the first group of New York City students to be part of the new collaboration with Delaware State University, marking a significant expansion of early college access through an HBCU lens.

Although each city doesn’t have a program like this, many high school students are still taking the necessary steps to prepare for college by taking accelerated courses while in high school. According to the National Center of Educational Statistics, “Among 9-12 schools, 73 percent offer at least one of the following types of advanced coursework: Advanced Placement (AP), pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or dual enrollment courses. Among these schools, 78 percent offer dual enrollment courses, 76 percent offer AP courses, 22 percent offer pre-AP courses, and 5 percent offer IB courses.”

Dr. Evelyn Edney, principal of the Early College High School at Delaware State University, called the task of preparing young high schoolers for college-level work “the hardest job” she’s ever had in her life. 

“We definitely have to challenge our students. And our teachers have to be on point to help them rise to meet expectations,” Edney said. “Being able to be exposed to college at an early age really helps them look at opportunities they may not have otherwise looked at.”

The program targets students in underserved communities with high academic potential but limited access to advanced coursework. The school brings together students from across backgrounds, starting them on a path to college as early as ninth grade.

Dr. Shawn Rux is passionate about the high school students in Southeast Queens getting the opportunity to get a head start on their college education, as early as 9th grade.
Credit: Meta (Instagram)/ Dr. Shawn Rux

“We treat them as if they are our own children. We want to make sure we’re giving them all the tools to be successful,” Edney said.

For Dr. Shawn Rux, senior executive director in the Office of New School Design and Development for New York City Public Schools, the program is both personal and visionary. A graduate of Delaware State University himself, Rux said the experience transformed his life, and he is now working to give that same opportunity to students much earlier.

“It was time for us to really partner with an HBCU. And to be honest, the HBCU experience really changed my life,” Rux said. “Being able to bridge that gap and bring that experience to children as early as ninth grade is something that’s truly special.”

The program includes instruction from New York City teachers who are trained as adjunct professors and receive ongoing professional development from DSU. By 11th grade, students begin taking classes directly from DSU faculty. Upon graduation, they will leave with both a high school diploma and up to 60 college credits at no cost to their families.

“The program is not easy. It is a very rigorous program, but it is imperative that supports are in place to ensure students are set up for success from the beginning,” Rux said. “Students are graduating with not just a high school diploma, but an associate’s degree for free. That is a real win for the Southeast Queens community.”

With strong early interest, educators say the demand for programs like this is only growing. For Rux and Edney, the goal is clear: expand access to more students and replicate the model across the country.

“If you want to change the world, put one of these in every HBCU across the country,” Edney said.