Seeking to improve diversity and strengthen UC graduate programs by investing in relationships between UC faculty and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

 

The University of California's reputation as a premier research and teaching institution rests on its capacity to serve the State of California, and nation, at the highest levels. This requires attracting and graduating scholars who reflect the communities of the world.

At the graduate level, African Americans/Blacks are extremely under-represented in UC graduate and professional programs. The five-year average (2019–2023) for enrollment of African Americans in UC academic doctoral programs is 4.2 percent.

Through the UC-HBCU Initiative, the Office of the President encourages UC faculty to actively engage in collaboration and cooperation with faculty and students at HBCUs. Such efforts serve to strengthen and enrich our mission of teaching, research and public service.

An average of 35 percent of submitted proposals have been selected for funding. During the Initiative's first ten summers, UC hosted 994 scholars across ten UC campuses. As a direct result of this Initiative, 82 Ph.D. students are currently enrolled at UC; 43 Ph.D. students have already graduated.