JBHE frequently reports on partnership agreements between HBCUs and predominantly White institutions that are geared to further the educational pursuits of HBCU students into established graduate programs while also serving to boost racial diversity at the predominantly White colleges and universities.
But it is rare when two HBCUs partner up. Miles College, a four-year educational institution in Fairfield, Alabama, is teaming up with Drake State Community & Technical College, a two-year HBCU in Huntsville, Alabama, to create easier pathways for students to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Miles College enrolls just over 1,500 students. About 94 percent of the student body is Black. Business and criminal justice are the two most popular majors of degree recipients.
Drake State Community and Technical College enrolls just under 900 students. About two-thirds of the student body is Black.
The agreement has four components: a collaborative and seamless transfer process, scholarship eligibility, reverse transfer credit, and student services. Drake State Community & Technical College students will be considered for admission to Miles College after earning an associate’s degree with up to a maximum of 64 semester hours transferring. These students will be eligible for scholarships. The new partnership will provide reciprocal privileges for using library resources, academic and career advising services, and admission to each college’s athletic events.
