Fresno Unified program allows Black students to earn college credits in high school

Fresno Unified is launching the HBCU Step UP Pathways program to allow Black students to earn college credits while attending high school, according to a news release from the district.

The program is a partnership with Benedict College in South Carolina, a historically Black college, and three of the district’s high schools — Bullard, Edison and Sunnyside.

Students who are accepted into the program can earn up to 12 college units through live virtual classes from the university. They are also guaranteed admission to Benedict College, located in Columbia, South Carolina.

“We are excited to offer this first of its kind program to our African American students,” Superintendent Bob Nelson said. “This is another way to encourage our students to not only prepare for and pursue college, but to learn more about the life-changing experience of attending a HBCU.”

The district will hold an informational meeting about the program at 6:30 p.m., Thursday at Fresno City College Old Administrative Building, 1101 E. University Ave.