HBCU Pathway Initiative
HBCU Blooming Scholars
The HBCU Blooming Scholars Program exists to expand access, awareness, and preparation for high school students within San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties interested in attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Benefits of the Program
College Readiness Preparation and Support
HBCU Exposure
- Caravan / college fairs
- Admissions workshops
- Common Black Application support
Mentorship & Community
- Mentor matching
- Cohort model
- Leadership development
- Cultural enrichment
- Community service activities
Financial Support
- FAFSA support
- External scholarship navigation & essay support
- Cost planning
- Chapter scholarship opportunities
Family Engagement
- Family workshops
- Parent info sessions
- Financial aid education
Program Timeline
The BLOOMING Scholar Journey
“As a junior, this experience helped me think differently about my future. I learned that I don’t have to have everything figured out right now and that there are multiple ways to go to an HBCU, including starting at a community college. This gave me confidence and motivation to start planning early. I left knowing that an HBCU is not just an option for me, it’s a real goal I’m excited for.”
Applications Open June – August · Programming Begins in September
How the Cohort Program Works
Step 1
Complete the Scholar Intake Process
Selected students complete an intake meeting and submit any required materials to confirm participation. During this step, scholars begin building their individualized college exploration plan and are formally welcomed into the program.
Step 2
Participate in an Information Session
Applicants and their families attend a required information session covering program expectations, opportunities, and the HBCU exploration experience. Students complete the interest application here, and receive program info, workshop dates, and next selection steps.
Step 3
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The Case for HBCU
Why Attend an HBCU?
Mentorship
Black graduates from HBCUs are more likely to have had a mentor who encouraged their goals and a professor who cared about them as a person.
Jobs & Internships
Alumni are more likely to have had a job or internship where they applied what they learned.
Higher STEM Graduation Rates
HBCUs graduate African American STEM majors at a rate of 62% to 94%, while PWIs graduate African American STEM majors at a lower rate.
Tuition Costs
Public HBCUs have competitive tuition, with multiple scholarships and grants available to students.
Class Sizes
HBCUs tend to have better teacher-to-student ratios, with most classes taught by professors rather than teaching assistants.
Diversity
Students attend HBCUs from all over the country and the world.
HBCU Resources
Helpful Guide
2026–2028 Cohort
Ready to Apply?
Applications for the HBCU Blooming Scholars Program close August 7, 2026.