The Peralta Community College District (PCCD) proudly announces that all four of its colleges – Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College – have been designated as Black-Serving Institutions (BSI), a state recognition for colleges and universities that demonstrate excellence in supporting Black and African American students. 

Peralta Community College District Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson is featured in a two-part episode of the EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast, exploring California’s new Black-Serving Institution (BSI) designation. This significant legislation, Senate Bill 1348, allows community colleges with a substantial Black student population (10% or 1,500 students) to seek BSI status.  Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College are included among the California Community Colleges that meet the eligibility criteria to apply for the designation.  

Congratulations to Dr. Denise Richardson, President of Berkeley City College, and her co-author, Dr. Alfred McQuarters, President of Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, for the publication of their article in Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, a national magazine with over 35,000 readers.