HBCUs in Delaware: A Rich Legacy and a Bright Future

Table of Contents

A Legacy of Excellence: Delaware State University

Founded in 1891 as the Delaware State College for Colored Students, Delaware State University (DSU) stands as a beacon of higher education for African Americans in the First State. Over its storied history, DSU has transformed from a small teacher training institution to a thriving university with a diverse student body and a broad range of academic offerings.

Academic Programs at DSU

DSU offers a comprehensive curriculum that spans across a variety of disciplines, including:

Liberal arts
STEM
Business
Education
Nursing

The university’s focus on academic excellence is reflected in its impressive national rankings. DSU is consistently listed among the top 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

Student Life at DSU

Beyond academics, DSU offers a vibrant student life experience. The university’s campus is home to numerous student organizations, clubs, and sports teams, providing opportunities for students to connect with others, pursue their interests, and develop their leadership skills.

DSU is also known for its commitment to community involvement. Students regularly participate in service learning projects, volunteering their time to address social issues and support local organizations.

A Promising Future: Delaware Tech Community College

In 2016, Delaware Tech Community College opened its doors to students in Wilmington, Delaware. Delaware Tech is the state’s only HBCU community college, and it plays a vital role in providing higher education opportunities for underserved populations.

Mission and Values of Delaware Tech

Delaware Tech’s mission is to empower students to succeed in life and work through accessible, affordable, and high-quality education and training. The college’s core values include:

Student success
Equity and inclusion
Collaboration
Innovation

Programs and Services at Delaware Tech

Delaware Tech offers a wide range of programs and services, including:

Associate degrees
Certificate programs
Career training
Workforce development programs
Adult education

The college also provides a variety of student support services, such as academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling.

Impact of Delaware Tech

Delaware Tech has quickly become a major force in the Delaware education system. The college has helped prepare thousands of students for careers in high-demand fields, contributing to the state’s economic growth and prosperity.

Delaware Tech is also a key player in community development. The college’s Wilmington campus serves as a hub for community engagement, offering programs and resources that address the social and economic needs of the surrounding area.

The Benefits of HBCUs in Delaware

HBCUs in Delaware play a crucial role in providing educational opportunities for African Americans and other underrepresented groups. These institutions offer a number of benefits, including:

Access to higher education: HBCUs were founded to provide educational access to students who were denied admission to white institutions. Today, HBCUs continue to play a vital role in ensuring that all students have the opportunity to pursue higher education.
Cultural affirmation: HBCUs provide a supportive and affirming environment for students of color. They offer a sense of community and belonging that can be difficult to find at predominantly white institutions.
Academic excellence: Despite facing historical challenges, HBCUs have consistently produced graduates who go on to achieve great success in their careers and personal lives.
Community engagement: HBCUs are deeply rooted in the communities they serve. They offer a variety of programs and services that address the social and economic needs of these communities.

The Future of HBCUs in Delaware

The future of HBCUs in Delaware is bright. As these institutions continue to adapt and innovate, they will continue to play a vital role in the state’s educational landscape.

Challenges and Opportunities

HBCUs in Delaware face a number of challenges, including:

Funding shortages
Limited resources
Declining enrollment

However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and innovation. By leveraging technology, partnering with businesses and community organizations, and focusing on student success, HBCUs can overcome these challenges and continue to thrive.

Invest in HBCUs

Investing in HBCUs is an investment in Delaware’s future. By supporting these institutions, we can help ensure that future generations of African Americans have access to quality higher education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Additional Resources

Tables

Table 1: Enrollment at Delaware State University

Year	Total Enrollment
2019	4,890
2020	4,725
2021	4,587

Table 2: Delaware Tech Community College Campus Locations

Campus	Location
Stanton	Wilmington
Dover	Dover
Georgetown	Georgetown
Newark	Newark

Table 3: Academic Programs at Delaware State University

College	Majors
College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences	English, History, Political Science, Sociology
College of Business	Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing
College of Education, Health, and Public Policy	Criminal Justice, Education, Health Sciences, Public Administration
College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics	Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering

Table 4: Benefits of HBCUs in Delaware

Benefit	Description
Access to higher education	HBCUs provide educational opportunities for African Americans and other underrepresented groups.
Cultural affirmation	HBCUs offer a supportive and affirming environment for students of color.
Academic excellence	HBCUs consistently produce graduates who go on to achieve great success in their careers and personal lives.
Community engagement	HBCUs are deeply rooted in the communities they serve and offer a variety of programs and services to address their social and economic needs.