By Khari Jones, Jr.
As the morning sun warms the courtyards of community colleges across California, a fleet of representatives from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) embarks on a two-week journey with one shared mission — to open doors.
Now in its 10th year, the California Community Colleges to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (CCC to HBCU) Transfer Caravan is hitting the road once again, connecting students with life-changing transfer opportunities and guaranteed admission pathways to 38 partner HBCUs across the country.
At 15 stops across the state — from bustling urban campuses to small-town community centers — students will have the chance to receive on-the-spot admissions support, personalized transfer guidance, and valuable scholarship information. The Caravan’s goal is simple but powerful: to ensure that every California community college student who dreams of continuing their education at an HBCU knows the path forward.
California Community College Chancellor Sonya Christian emphasized the importance of accessibility and representation in education as she reflected on the Caravan’s impact.
“With this Caravan, we’re meeting students where they are to show them where they can go through the lens of the HBCU experience,” Christian said. “By providing this glimpse we can open doors to new opportunities, and unlock futures.”
The Caravan, established as an extension of the CCC to HBCU Transfer Guarantee program, began in 2015 through an historic agreement between the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and participating HBCUs. The partnership was built to make the transfer process smoother for California students — saving families both time and money while ensuring access to culturally affirming academic environments.
What makes the program unique is its focus on connection and community. The Caravan doesn’t just stop to hand out pamphlets or brochures; instead, it creates face-to-face interactions that allow students to speak directly with HBCU representatives. For many students, this is their first introduction to institutions that have historically shaped some of the nation’s most influential leaders — from civil rights icons to entrepreneurs and scholars.
At each stop, representatives from HBCUs across the nation — including Howard University, Clark Atlanta University, and Tuskegee University — engage with students to discuss majors, campus life, and scholarship opportunities. The energy at these events often mirrors that of a college fair mixed with a family reunion, filled with music, laughter, and moments of realization as students discover schools that feel like home.
For Arynn Auzout Settle, Project Director of the CCC to HBCU Transfer Guarantee Pathway, the Caravan represents more than just an academic pipeline — it’s a cultural bridge and a testament to possibility.
“HBCUs are sacred institutions, and this partnership is built on trust, shared purpose, and a deep belief in our students’ potential,” Settle said.
Settle’s words capture the essence of what makes the Caravan so impactful: the blending of California’s vast and diverse community college network with the historic legacy of HBCUs that have long championed Black excellence and community empowerment.
Since its inception, the program has served as a model for collaborative education initiatives nationwide. Thousands of students have already benefited, transferring from California community colleges to HBCUs where they have gone on to earn bachelor’s degrees, pursue graduate studies, and launch meaningful careers.
The program also highlights a broader national movement — one that encourages states to build bridges between community colleges and four-year institutions that value equity and cultural identity. For students who may not have previously considered leaving California, the Caravan introduces them to a world of possibilities beyond state lines, where history, tradition, and community are deeply woven into the fabric of academic life.
By creating a pathway to four-year degrees through guaranteed admission agreements, the program alleviates much of the uncertainty that often surrounds the transfer process. Students who complete an associate degree with the right GPA are guaranteed a spot at one of the 38 partner HBCUs — a structure that provides both clarity and confidence as they plan their educational futures.
“By making the process easier, we’re not just helping students transfer — we’re helping them transform their lives,” said Chancellor Christian. “This program is proof that when institutions work together, students win.”
The Caravan’s impact extends beyond the students themselves. Families gain peace of mind knowing that their children can pursue quality higher education opportunities without the financial burden of out-of-state tuition surprises or application hurdles. And HBCUs gain access to talented, motivated students from the largest higher education system in the nation — one that serves over 1.8 million students each year.
As the Caravan continues its tour through campuses from Los Angeles to Sacramento, the spirit of unity, education, and opportunity remains at the heart of its mission. Ten years in, the message is clearer than ever: when California’s community colleges and HBCUs come together, they don’t just build transfer pathways — they build futures.
