Santa Monica College has been named one of 31 California Black-Serving Institutions, a first-of-its-kind designation recognizing institutions that demonstrate strong academic resources and support systems for Black students.
The state's Governing Board for Black-Serving Institutions announced the designation, which also went to UC Berkeley, CSU Northridge, Long Beach City College, Bakersfield College and Loyola Marymount University, among others.
SMC, already a Hispanic-Serving Institution, has maintained a 35-year streak as the top transfer college to the University of California system. The college transfers more African American and Latinx students to the UC than any other California community college.
The designation, created following SB 1348, is valid for five years. SMC enrolled 3,334 Black students during the 2024-2025 academic year.
"This year during Black History Month, Santa Monica College is particularly proud to celebrate being designated a Black-Serving Institution," said SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery.
The college's Black Collegians Program Umoja Community, established more than three decades ago, offers academic and career counseling, priority registration, a dedicated therapist, book vouchers and mentorship opportunities. Other programs supporting Black students include the Men of Color Action Network, the Student Equity Center and the Pan African Alliance.
"I am excited about this designation to expand the support to our Black student population," said Black Collegians Program Leader Sherri Bradford. "They deserve all that we can provide in terms of love and intentional services for them to be successful personally and academically."
For more information, visit smc.edu/BlackCollegians.
Edited by SMDP Staff