The first class of graduating seniors from a pilot program for African American students earned a collective 613 college credits and improved their grade point averages by 22 percent , a fantastic start to this unique initiative .

The 58 students were part of the inaugural graduating class of Fresno Unified ’ s HBCU Step Up program , launched in 2022 to give students an opportunity to earn college credits while in high school and encourage academic success . The Step Up program is for African American students and other students interested in HBCUs – historically black colleges and universities .

Fresno Unified is partnering with Benedict College , a top HBCU in Columbia , S . C . Students can earn up to 13 college credits taking online classes from Benedict College professors . Fresno Unified is the only district in the state with this kind of HBCU collaboration .

So far , the program is for students from Bullard , Edison and Sunnyside high schools . Some of the graduates will head off to HBCUs , including Benedict College , Howard University , Morehouse College and Tuskegee University .

“ We are incredibly proud of our inaugural class of Fresno Unified HBCU Step Up graduates ,” said Jeremy Ward , an assistant superintendent for Fresno Unified . “ These students have quite literally stepped up to the challenge and opportunity of being the first group of California high school students to earn 10 transferable college credits from a historically black college and university , Benedict College .”

Ward said 100 % of students passed the English course they took through Benedict College , an indication of their commitment to their post-secondary journey .

“ We are grateful to the visionary leadership of the Fresno Unified School District in creating and supporting programs that place our students on the pathway to success during and after high school ,” Ward said .

Students in the Step Up program must maintain their grades and behavior . They participate in a nine-day tour of HBCU campuses , attend workshops to help with college admissions and participate in other activities .

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