Bridging the Gap: Why HBCUs Must Partner with Pre-College Coding Programs
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played a pivotal role in expanding educational opportunities for African Americans. As the tech industry continues to grow and evolve, HBCUs have a critical responsibility to ensure Black students are well-represented in the field of computer science (CS). However, increasing Black participation in tech begins long before students step foot on a college campus.
By establishing strong partnerships with pre-college coding programs like Urban Coders Guild in Tulsa and similar initiatives across the country, HBCUs can strengthen the pipeline of Black CS majors and contribute to the development of a more diverse and innovative tech workforce.
The Role of HBCUs in Educating Tech Innovators and Entrepreneurs
HBCUs have long been incubators for some of the most influential Black tech leaders and entrepreneurs. These institutions provide students with not only technical skills but also a foundation in innovation, leadership, and problem-solving. Notable examples of HBCU graduates making an impact in the tech world include:
David Steward (Missouri’s Lincoln University): Co-founder and chairman of World Wide Technology, one of the largest Black-owned technology companies in the United States, with over $14 billion in annual revenue (Forbes, 2023).
Angela Benton (Hampton University): Founder and CEO of NewME, an accelerator program that has helped over 300 minority-led startups raise more than $47 million in venture capital (TechCrunch, 2021).
Chris Young (Morehouse College): Former CEO of McAfee and a cybersecurity expert who has led some of the most significant advancements in online security (Business Insider, 2022).
These leaders exemplify the role of HBCUs in nurturing Black excellence in tech, yet more must be done to ensure a continuous flow of innovators. The next generation of Black tech entrepreneurs and engineers must be cultivated early, and that starts with engaging students in computer science long before they reach college.
The Current State of HBCUs in Computer Science
HBCUs collectively produce 25% of African American graduates with STEM degrees, despite making up only 3% of the nation’s colleges and universities (National Science Foundation, 2022). Several HBCUs have strong computer science programs that are actively preparing students for careers in technology:
Howard University: Offers BS, MS, and Ph.D. programs in CS, with research strengths in AI, cybersecurity, and data science (Howard University Department of Computer Science, 2023).
North Carolina A&T State University: One of the largest producers of Black engineers in the country, with a well-established CS program that emphasizes software development and cybersecurity (NC A&T College of Engineering, 2023).
Spelman College: A leading women’s HBCU with a robust CS department that integrates interdisciplinary approaches to computing (Spelman College Computer Science, 2023).
Morgan State University: Home to a strong CS program focusing on machine learning, software engineering, and data analytics (Morgan State University School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, 2023).
Langston University: Oklahoma’s only HBCU, which offers a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a computer science emphasis, preparing students for careers in IT and cybersecurity (Langston University, 2023).
While these programs are commendable, there remains a disconnect between pre-college coding exposure and college CS enrollment. Expanding early access to coding education through partnerships with K-12 and out-of-school STEM initiatives can bridge this gap.
Why Pre-College Coding Programs Matter
Engaging students in coding and computer science before college has proven benefits:
Stronger Academic Preparedness: Studies show that students who engage in coding before college perform better in math and science (Code.org, 2021).
Higher Enrollment in CS Majors: Early exposure increases students' likelihood of pursuing computer science in college (Computing Research Association, 2022).
Increased Representation in Tech: Programs targeting underrepresented communities directly address the diversity gap in the industry.
Career Readiness: Students with coding experience enter college with stronger problem-solving and analytical skills.
How HBCUs Can Partner with Urban Coders Guild and Similar Initiatives
To maximize the impact of these programs, HBCUs must move beyond passive recruitment and establish active collaborations with pre-college coding initiatives. Here are concrete ways to build these partnerships:
1. Establish Dual Enrollment and Early College Credit Programs
HBCUs can partner with pre-college coding programs to offer dual enrollment courses where high school students earn college credit for completing CS coursework. This ensures that students enter college with a head start and increases the likelihood of completing their CS degree.
Example: A partnership between Langston University and Urban Coders Guild could allow Tulsa-based students to complete an Introduction to Programming course that counts toward their freshman year requirements.
2. Provide Faculty-Led Workshops and Mentorship
HBCUs can strengthen their outreach by having CS faculty and students lead workshops for K-12 coding programs. These workshops can cover topics like game development, cybersecurity fundamentals, or data science applications.
Example: Professors from HBUCs’ CS departments could host virtual workshops for Urban Coders Guild participants, offering hands-on learning and direct mentorship.
3. Offer Summer Tech Camps on HBCU Campuses
Hosting coding camps on college campuses exposes students to the college environment early and fosters a sense of belonging in the tech field.
Example: HBCUs could invite middle and high school girls from pre-college programs to participate in summer camps, integrating CS with real-world health tech and finance applications.
4. Create Scholarship Pipelines for Pre-College Coding Students
HBCUs can offer dedicated scholarships for students who have participated in Urban Coders Guild or similar programs. This incentivizes students to continue their CS education at an HBCU.
Example: HBCUs could develop Tech Excellence Scholarships that provide financial aid to students from partnered pre-college coding programs.
5. Develop Industry-Supported Internship Pathways
Tech companies often seek diverse talent, but many Black students lack access to early internship opportunities. By creating a structured internship pipeline, HBCUs can connect students from pre-college programs to industry mentors and job opportunities.
Example: HBCUs could work with Google or Microsoft to establish HBCU Tech Bridge Programs, placing students from Urban Coders Guild into paid internships after completing their first year of college.
Call to Action: The Time to Act is Now
For HBCU administrators, department heads, and policymakers, partnering with pre-college coding programs is not an option—it is a necessity. These collaborations offer a win-win scenario:
HBCUs gain a steady pipeline of well-prepared students who are more likely to graduate and enter tech careers.
Students receive mentorship, scholarships, and early exposure to higher education—key factors in retention and success.
The tech industry benefits from a more diverse and capable workforce, closing the racial gap in computing jobs.
HBCUs must take proactive steps to form lasting partnerships with organizations like Urban Coders Guild to ensure that the next generation of Black tech leaders is not only ready but thriving. The future of tech diversity depends on the actions we take today.
References
National Science Foundation, "Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering Report" (2022)
Computing Research Association, "2022-2023 Annual Report"
Code.org, "Diversity in Computer Science Education" (2021)
UNCF, "The Impact of HBCUs on Diversity in STEM Fields" (2022)
Forbes, "David Steward Profile" (2023)
TechCrunch, "NewME Accelerator Supporting Black Entrepreneurs" (2021)
Business Insider, "Chris Young’s Contributions to Cybersecurity" (2022)
Computerscience.org, "The Importance of Early Computer Science Education" (2023)
