Faculty and staff gathered in the student center in honor of SBVC's formal recognition as a Black-Serving Institution

 

SBVC has taken a decisive first step toward formal recognition as a Black‑Serving Institution (BSI), a designation for California colleges that excel at providing Black students with the resources and support they need for academic success. In late March, more than 40 faculty, classified professionals, and managers packed SBVC’s Student Lounge for the BSI Convening: an intensive discussion that kicked off the campus‑wide push toward BSI status.

Conversations were co‑facilitated by April Dale, Carmen Rodriguez, and Samantha Homier. A BSI designation can unlock targeted grant funding, professional development networks, and statewide visibility, all aimed at closing equity gaps. “SBVC has an opportunity to be a leader in California by showing what it looks like to be Black‑student‑centered,” Dale said. “It isn’t in competition with other groups but an expression of inclusive excellence.”