From Dover, Delaware to the boroughs of New York City. From the Caribbean coast of Belize to the hallowed halls of Cornell University. Delaware State University does not stay in one place — it moves, it builds, and it plants its flag wherever excellence is needed most. On Friday, May 22, DSU President Dr. Tony Allen brought that same energy to Queens, sitting down with the scholars of New York City’s first-ever HBCU Early College Prep High School for a Chat & Chew that was
anything but ordinary.
This was not a ceremonial visit. Dr. Allen pulled up a chair and gave the room to the scholars — ninth graders who are already earning real college credits from a four-year university while the rest of the country is still in high school. They asked the hard questions. They shared their stories. And they heard directly from the man who helped make this moment possible.
Delaware State University has been building toward this moment for more than a century. Founded in
1891, DSU has grown from a land-grant institution in Dover into a globally connected research university whose reach now extends from the Mid-Atlantic to New York City, from international partnerships to some of the most prestigious institutions in American higher education. The HBCU
Early College Prep High School in Queens is not just a partnership — it is proof of what DSU’s vision
looks like in action.
HBCU Early College Prep High School opened its doors in September 2025 as the first school of its
kind in New York City Public Schools — a high school rooted in the legacy, culture, and excellence of
Historically Black Colleges and Universities, operating in exclusive partnership with Delaware State
University. Scholars can earn up to 64 college credits toward an associate degree in Liberal Arts at no
cost, following the proven model of DSU’s Early College School in Dover, Delaware, where students
have accumulated more than 18,000 college credits over the past decade and more than 70 percent go
on to attend Delaware State University.
And the vision is bigger than one school. DSU arrived at HBCU Early College Prep backed by one of
the most powerful higher education networks in the region. Partnerships with Widener University
Delaware Law School, the University of Delaware, Thomas Jefferson University, Cornell University, and
the University of Belize mean that scholars in Southeast Queens now have access to pathways stretching from law school to international education — opportunities that were once reserved for students at other institutions, in other zip codes. DSU is changing that. One scholar at a time. One city at a time.
Led by Founding Principal and DSU alumna Dr. Asya Johnson, HBCU Early College Prep is more than
a school. It is a statement. Greek life, Homecoming, Founder’s Day, Mr. and Miss Freshman —
scholars are not just earning credits, they are living the HBCU experience from day one.
The Chat & Chew was exclusively for enrolled scholars — no cameras from outside, no public
audience, just the DSU family. Chopped cheese — a New York City staple — was on the menu, and
students came ready to engage, ask questions, and be heard. That is exactly what happened.
Delaware State University showed up for its scholars. And its scholars showed up for Delaware State
University.
About Delaware State University
Delaware State University is a public historically Black university located in Dover, Delaware. Founded
in 1891, DSU is a Carnegie-classified research institution committed to academic excellence,
community engagement, and expanding access to higher education. For more information, visit
www.desu.edu About HBCU Early College Prep High School
HBCU Early College Prep High School is a New York City public high school located in Queens, New
York, operating in exclusive partnership with Delaware State University. The school provides scholars
with a college-preparatory education rooted in HBCU culture and tradition, while offering the
opportunity to earn up to 64 college credits at no cost.
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Wednesday, June 3rd 2026 at 12:35PM
You can also
click
here to view all posts by this author...
