Class is in session at HBCU Early College Prep, New York City’s first high school dedicated to preparing students for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Located in Jamaica, Queens, the school officially opened on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, and Delaware State University President (DSU) Dr. Tony Allen, according to a news release from the Mayor’s Office.

The school launched in partnership with DSU and welcomed its inaugural class of 100 students, marking the start of a transformative academic year.

“There’s just not enough exposure to HBCUs across the country,” Dr. Asya Johnson, who led the creation of the school, told ABC News ahead of the school’s opening.

“We talk about college and college access, but we do not spend enough time celebrating the history and the data around it,” she continued.

As AFROTECH™ previously reported, Johnson, principal of NYC Public Schools and a proud DSU alumna, brings over 16 years of experience in education. A passionate advocate for racial justice and equity, she sees HBCU Early College Prep as a way to empower a new generation of students to follow in her footsteps.

“It’s important because it doesn’t exist,” she told ABC News about the need for an HBCU-focused prep school.

“We often don’t explain to students what exists beyond just our state or our local tri-state area. Why not expose students to that,” Johnson added.

According to the United Negro College Fund, while HBCUs represent just 3% of U.S. colleges, the institutions enroll about 10% of Black undergraduates and produce nearly 20% of all Black graduates. The outlet also reports that 25% of graduates with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields come from HBCUs.

Over 1,000 students applied to attend the school’s first year, submitting an essay addressing a tech or health care issue in their community along with a two-minute video explaining how they’d use their degree to give back, per ABC News.

With plans to grow to 460-500 students, HBCU Early College Prep offers learners a unique opportunity to earn up to 64 college credits for an associate degree from DSU at no cost, all while earning their high school diploma, AFROTECH™ previously noted.

Rooted in the legacy and culture of HBCUs, the experience at HBCU Early College Prep goes beyond academics, providing students with a comprehensive college-prep environment that includes Greek life, Founders Day activities, Mr. and Miss Freshman competitions, and Homecoming events, per the Mayor’s Office.

“This model not only prepares students for academic success but also honors the cultural pride and excellence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said NYC Councilmember Kevin C. Riley, the news release states.

“By offering tuition-free college credits, we are breaking barriers and creating opportunities for our Black and Brown youth, an investment in the next generation of leaders who will shape our city and beyond,” Councilmember Riley added.