When most people think of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), southern schools like Morehouse, Spelman, and of course Howard immediately come to mind. This is understandable, given the history of when most HBCUs began to pop up around this country. Before the Great Migration sent many Black people north in search of prosperity, the bulk of Black Americans lived in the South. 

So, when white colleges and universities barred Black students from attending, the community answered the call and began to create institutions of higher learning, and eventually also fraternities and sororities. However, the first HBCU was actually Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1837. Overwhelmingly, most HBCUs are located in the South, with a sprinkling of schools in a few northern states. But, there is an HBCU on the West Coast, and it’s located in California. 

The Only HBCU in California

Even though there’s just one HBCU in California, it’s an integral one. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) was established in 1966. Los Angeles serves as the home of this HBCU. It’s named after Charles Richard Drew, a Black surgeon who pioneered blood transfusion techniques that also included separating components like plasma. Known as the “Father of the Blood Bank,” Drew’s extraordinary guidance in creating preservation and transportation achievements. These achievements provided blood banking support during World War II in the United Kingdom. 

An HBCU Addressing Health Disparities

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science focuses on not just teaching the next generation of healthcare professionals, but also providing equitable healthcare to underserved communities. Likewise, increasing diversity within the medical professional is also critical, since biases and prejudices can directly impact patient care and outcomes. To this day, CDU has the second-most diverse student and faculty groups in the country. 

In particular, CDU works to provide essential healthcare services to vulnerable populations located in south Los Angeles. While the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs, the studies are limited to healthcare tracks. 

Undergraduate Opportunities at Charles Drew University

CDU offers both associates and bachelors programs. For bachelors studies, students can apply to medical, healthcare and nursing programs. The school also offers a three-year bachelor program that works in conjunction with nearby Dominguez High School and Compton Community College. With this program, high school juniors undergo a preparatory track to enter into careers in healthcare. 

Finally, students can also study for a BS in psychology with an emphasis on community counseling. This program prioritizes behavioral health for underserved communities. 

Graduate Opportunities at Charles Drew University

CDU has a strong graduate program and is one of only four Historically Black Medical Colleges in the US. Within the university’s graduate studies, CDU focuses on medical, healthcare, and nursing programs — all of which are on-campus only. 

Are There Any More HBCUs in California?

To date, the only entirely-California-founded HBCU is Charles Drew University. However, it leans more towards post-grad studies with a smaller undergraduate offering. That said, more HBCUs are coming to California. 

A collaborative HBCU initiative launched in the state in the summer of 2024 just in time for the 2024–2025 academic year. Students can apply to attend satellite campuses in San Diego and Los Angeles from the Austin-based HBCU, Huston-Tillotson University (HTU). HTU coordinated with the National College Resources Foundation (NCRF), the University of La Verne and the San Diego County Office of Education and is welcoming students for the 2024–2025 academic year.