An effort to bring a historically Black college or university to Oakland could create a new higher education option for students across the San Francisco Bay Area while connecting Black students with one of the nation’s largest technology and innovation economies.
The Oakland HBCU Initiative, launched last year as a fiscally sponsored project of the Oakland Fund, remains in the early planning stages. A volunteer task force that includes Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and representatives from business, higher education, civic and philanthropic organizations is leading the effort.
The task force commissioned a feasibility study examining the potential economic impact of an HBCU campus and industries that could shape its academic programs. Technology, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, life sciences, transportation and logistics have been identified as potential areas of focus — fields with significant ties to the broader Bay Area economy.
Supporters also see the proposal as a way to keep more Black students in the Bay Area. Task force member Kim Thompson said California loses students who leave the state to attend historically Black institutions elsewhere, taking potential talent away from the region.
“That’s a big brain drain and loss of students who could be staying here and gaining access to high-wage STEM careers that the Bay Area has to offer,” Thompson said. “There’s a lot of students we think could benefit from the culturally affirming education that an HBCU could provide.”
Several models are being considered, including a satellite campus operated by an existing HBCU, a hub where multiple HBCUs could offer courses or a partnership with the Peralta Community College District that creates a pathway toward a four-year HBCU degree.
The group has examined the former Holy Names University campus and possible downtown Oakland locations. Howard University previously expressed interest and conducted a site visit, although changes in leadership at the university slowed discussions. The task force is expected to release its feasibility study before moving forward with prospective schools and locations.
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