A Historic Milestone for Equity and Student Success
The College of Alameda (CoA) is proud to be recognized as one of the first colleges in California selected as a pilot Black Serving Institution (BSI). This historic designation reflects our long-standing commitment to advancing educational equity, belonging, and academic success for Black and African American students, while strengthening pathways to high-wage careers and community leadership.
The BSI designation affirms the work that our faculty, staff, students, and community partners have been doing for years: building a college where every student is supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.
College of Alameda BSI Application
What is a Black Serving Institution (BSI)?
The Black Serving Institution (BSI) designation was established through California state legislation to recognize community colleges that demonstrate a strong commitment to improving outcomes for Black and African American students.
The legislation created a statewide pilot initiative to identify colleges that:
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Enroll and serve significant numbers of Black students
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Demonstrate commitment to closing equity gaps
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Provide culturally responsive academic and support services
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Implement innovative programs designed to improve student success
The BSI framework recognizes that intentional institutional practices and targeted investments are essential to improving educational access, retention, and completion for Black students across California’s community college system.
The BSI Selection Process
The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office established a competitive selection process to identify the initial group of pilot institutions.
Colleges were evaluated based on multiple factors, including:
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Enrollment and demographic data for Black and African American students
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Institutional commitment to equity and student success initiatives
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Evidence of programs and practices supporting Black student achievement
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Campus leadership and strategic planning focused on closing equity gaps
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Partnerships with community organizations and workforce leaders
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Through this process, College of Alameda was selected as one of the first pilot Black Serving Institutions in California, recognizing both our student-centered mission and our leadership in advancing equitable outcomes.
Why the BSI Designation Matters
The BSI designation provides important opportunities to strengthen programs and expand support for students.
Advancing Student Success
The designation allows College of Alameda to expand initiatives that improve:
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Student persistence and completion
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Transfer to four-year universities
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Career readiness and workforce development
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Leadership development and civic engagement
Strengthening Campus Support Systems
BSI resources support programs that foster belonging, mentorship, and academic excellence, including:
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Learning communities and culturally responsive programming
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Expanded counseling and academic support
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Peer mentorship and leadership opportunities
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Career exploration and internship pathways
Investing in Community Partnerships
The BSI initiative also strengthens collaboration with:
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Community-based organizations
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Local employers and workforce partners
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Regional education and training programs
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Civic and cultural institutions
These partnerships help ensure that students have access to real-world opportunities that connect education to meaningful careers and community leadership.
College of Alameda: A Legacy of Serving Our Community
College of Alameda has long served as a gateway to opportunity for students across the East Bay, particularly those historically underrepresented in higher education.
Our commitment to student success is reflected in initiatives such as:
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Guided Pathways academic planning
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Student Equity and Achievement (SEA) programs
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Learning Communities and culturally responsive programming
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Basic Needs services and holistic student support
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Workforce development partnerships with local industry
The BSI designation strengthens and expands this work by providing additional focus, resources, and statewide recognition for our efforts to advance equitable outcomes.
Looking Ahead
The BSI designation marks an important milestone in the College of Alameda’s continued journey toward equity, excellence, and community impact.
Through this initiative, we will continue to:
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Elevate Black student voices and leadership
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Expand academic and career pathways
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Strengthen community partnerships
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Foster a campus climate where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered
At the College of Alameda, we believe that when students are supported to succeed, our entire community thrives.
Believe. Achieve. Succeed.