Dr. Asya Johnson, a passionate advocate for racial justice and educational equity with over 16 years of experience, is leading the effort to establish New York City’s first HBCU Early College Prep High School.
A proud alumna of Delaware State University (DSU), Johnson aims to create a school that “bridges the accelerated academics of a rich tradition of HBCU experience,” according to Waymaker Journal. This groundbreaking initiative is set to open in Southeast Queens in September 2025 and will offer NYC Public School students a unique opportunity to fast-track their path to college.
Students will begin earning college credits as early as ninth grade and graduate with both a high school diploma and a tuition-free associate’s degree. They will also receive guaranteed admission to DSU. Reflecting on the impact of the school, Johnson stated, “Giving kids an opportunity to get a leg-up getting an associate’s degree — and possibly graduate with their bachelor’s at 20 — it’s just mind-blowing. It’s life-changing for a lot of people.”
The program is expected to enroll around 100 students in its first year, with plans to expand to between 460 and 500 students. The school is part of outgoing Chancellor David Banks' 2022 commitment to create accelerated programs in underserved neighborhoods. Banks highlighted the importance of HBCUs, saying, “HBCUs have produced so many of our country’s leaders… I’m beyond proud that our students will soon benefit from and become a part of that legacy.”
According to the school’s website, its challenging curriculum will emphasize lifelong learning, critical thinking, leadership, and community engagement, aiming to cultivate compassionate and socially conscious leaders. The vision is to create an institution that helps students transition seamlessly from high school to college, empowering them to “break barriers and drive lasting, positive impact in their communities.”
Link: AfroTech
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