Advancing Access. Cultivating Belonging. Accelerating Success.
Building an Institution where Black students thrive.
What is a Black-Serving Institution?
The California Black-Serving Institution (BSI) designation recognizes community colleges that serve a significant population of Black/African American students and demonstrate a commitment to improving student outcomes through intentional, equity-centered institutional practices.
At Sacramento City College, BSI is not a program, initiative, or center. It is an institutional commitment to ensuring that Black students have equitable opportunities to access, persist, complete, transfer, and achieve their educational goals.
Our work is grounded in the belief that student success should not be left to chance and that institutions must continuously examine and improve policies, practices, and systems to ensure all students can thrive.
Why This Matters at Sacramento City College
Sacramento City College serves more than 2,100 Black students, representing approximately 10.7% of the college's student population.
While SCC has made progress in improving student outcomes, equity gaps remain in key student success indicators, including:
- Transfer-level English completion
- Transfer-level Math completion
- Persistence
- Unit accumulation
- Degree and certificate completion
- Transfer readiness
The BSI designation provides an opportunity for SCC to deepen its commitment to equity by identifying institutional barriers, implementing evidence-based strategies, and improving outcomes for Black students.
Our Vision
Sacramento City College will be a college where Black students experience a strong sense of belonging, achieve their educational goals, and thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
Institutional Goals
The work of the Black-Serving Institution aligns with SCC's Strategic Goals and student success priorities.
Key institutional goals include:
Transfer-Level English and Math Completion
Increase the percentage of Black students successfully completing transfer-level English and Math within their first year.
First-Year Momentum
Increase counseling engagement, educational planning, and successful completion of key first-year milestones.
Persistence
Improve fall-to-spring and year-to-year persistence rates among Black students.
Unit Accumulation
Increase the percentage of Black students completing 30 or more units during their first year.
Transfer Readiness
Increase the number of Black students who are prepared to transfer and successfully transition to four-year institutions.
Data Snapshot
SCC Black Student Population
2,167
Black/African American students
10.7%
of SCC enrollment
Areas of Opportunity
- Transfer-level English completion
- Transfer-level Math completion
- Completion of both transfer-level English and Math within the first year
- Transfer readiness
- Degree and certificate attainment
Current Activities
The BSI Workgroup is currently completing its 90-Day Deliverables process, which includes:
- Identifying barriers impacting Black student success
- Recommending immediate institutional strategies
- Identifying resource and partnership needs
- Establishing success metrics
- Developing SCC's BSI Action Plan
Resources
BSI Workgroup
The SCC BSI Workgroup is a cross-functional team comprised of faculty, classified professionals, administrators, and institutional researchers who are committed to improving outcomes for Black students.
Contact
Dr. Davin E. Brown
Vice President of Student Services
Email: Davin.Brown@scc.losrios.edu