Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) were established in the wake of segregation to provide Black students with access to a high-quality education not available to them at institutions with majority white students.

Equity initiatives for HBCUs are crucial for addressing systemic disparities and ensuring these institutions have the resources and support needed to thrive. The LAUNCH Student Success Equity Initiatives for HBCU’s aims to assist each campus in the following strategic areas:

• Faculty and Staff Development: Investing in professional development programs for faculty and staff members can enhance the quality of education and support services offered by HBCUs.
• Retention and Graduation Support: Implementing retention programs and support services can help improve graduation rates and ensure that HBCU students have the resources and support needed to succeed academically.
• Cultural Competency Training: Providing cultural competency training for faculty, staff, and administrators can help create a more inclusive and supportive campus environment for students of diverse backgrounds.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: Establishing partnerships with other universities, corporations, and organizations can provide HBCUs with access to resources, expertise, and opportunities for collaboration in research, internships, and other initiatives.

By implementing these equity initiatives, HBCUs can continue to fulfill the mission of providing quality education and opportunities for underrepresented minority groups, and more specifically Black students, while contributing to the advancement of knowledge and society as a whole.

Professional development for leaders, faculty, and staff is essential for increasing equity and fostering student success within higher education institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). These programs offer opportunities for individuals to enhance their skills, knowledge, and competencies, which are critical for creating inclusive and supportive learning environments. Leaders equipped with a deep understanding of equity issues and effective strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion can spearhead initiatives that address systemic barriers and promote equitable practices throughout the institution. Faculty members who receive professional development in culturally responsive teaching methods are better equipped to engage diverse student populations and create inclusive classroom environments where all students feel valued and supported.

Moreover, staff members who undergo training in areas such as implicit bias, cultural competency, and student support services are better equipped to provide the necessary support and resources to ensure the success of all students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. By investing in professional development for leaders, faculty, and staff, HBCUs can strengthen their capacity to address equity challenges, improve retention and graduation rates, and ultimately empower students to achieve their academic and career goals. This investment not only benefits individual staff members but also contributes to the overall success and reputation of the institution in fulfilling its mission of providing accessible and high-quality education to all students.

Transformative and holistic investment in HBCU student success involves a comprehensive approach that addresses multiple facets of the student experience, ensuring that students are supported academically, personally, and professionally.

By embracing an intentional holistic approach, HBCUs can create an environment where students not only succeed academically but also thrive personally and professionally. This comprehensive investment ensures that students are well-prepared to contribute to their communities and succeed in their chosen fields, thereby fulfilling the mission of HBCUs to educate and empower underrepresented populations.

Equity initiatives in California Community Colleges (CCC’s) are crucial for ensuring equal opportunities and outcomes for all students, regardless of their background. With more than 69 percent of students identifying with one or more ethnic groups—the CCC’s serve the most diverse student populations in all higher education.

Equity plans must take into consideration the non-credit and adult education students, who consist of close to a million students in the CCC system and make up some of the most vulnerable and socially disadvantaged groups.

LAUNCH Student Success understands there are limitations and barriers to pushing equity plans further, as well as opportunities and support to accelerate the work. With equity at the forefront of all decision-making, LAUNCH Student Success aims to work system wide in partnership with district trustees, CEO’s/Presidents and all campus leaders at all levels.

The LAUNCH Student Success Equity Initiatives for CCC’s aims to assist each campus in the following strategic areas:

• Equity-Minded Leadership and Governance: Help foster a culture of equity and inclusion at all levels of the institution by prioritizing equity in strategic planning, resource allocation, policy development, and institutional governance.
• Diversity and Inclusion Training: Implement comprehensive diversity and inclusion training programs for faculty, staff, and administrators to foster understanding and awareness of different cultural backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
• Culturally Responsive Teaching: Provide professional development opportunities for faculty to integrate culturally responsive teaching practices into their classrooms. This includes incorporating diverse perspectives, experiences, and materials into the curriculum.
• Student Support Services: Re-envisioning students support services such as tutoring, counseling, mentoring, and academic advising to address the specific needs of underserved student populations, including low-income students, students of color, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities.
• Recruitment and Retention: Help develop targeted recruitment strategies to attract a diverse student body and faculty. Additionally, implement retention initiatives such as early alert systems, peer mentoring programs, and financial aid assistance to support students throughout their academic journey.
• Cultural Centers and Safe Spaces: Be a resource for cultural centers and safe spaces on campus where students from diverse backgrounds can gather, find community, and access resources tailored to their needs. These spaces can serve as hubs for cultural programming, workshops, and support groups.
• Community Partnerships: Enhance connections with new and existing partnerships with community organizations, schools, businesses, and government agencies to create pathways for underserved students to access higher education and career opportunities.

By implementing these equity initiatives, California Community Colleges can strive to create a more inclusive and equitable educational environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Professional development plays a pivotal role in advancing equity and promoting student success within the California Community Colleges (CCC’s). It provides leaders, faculty, and staff with the necessary knowledge, skills, and awareness to address the diverse needs of students from varied backgrounds effectively. For leaders, professional development opportunities enable them to cultivate an equity-minded approach to decision-making and institutional governance, ensuring that equity remains a central focus in strategic planning, resource allocation, and policy development. By fostering a culture of equity at the leadership level, colleges can create an environment and culture where all students feel valued and supported, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes.

Similarly, professional development for faculty and staff equips them with the tools and strategies needed to create inclusive learning environments, implement culturally responsive teaching practices, and provide targeted support services to underserved student populations. Through training on topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive pedagogy, faculty can better understand and respond to the diverse needs and experiences of their students, thereby enhancing engagement, retention, and academic success. Additionally, professional development opportunities for staff in student support services, such as advising, counseling, and tutoring, enable them to better assist students facing academic, financial, or personal challenges, ultimately facilitating their persistence and completion. In essence, investing in professional development for leaders, faculty, and staff is integral to fostering an equitable and supportive educational environment that promotes the success of all students.