The Center of Black Student Excellence is a transformative initiative within the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) dedicated to uplifting the educational experiences of Black students. It fosters a sense of belonging, pride, and agency, encouraging Black students and their families to pursue futures characterized by excellence and opportunity. As a hub of empowerment, joy, and liberation, the Center celebrates the intrinsic brilliance and agency inherent in the Black community.

In partnership with families, educators, and community interest holders, LBUSD is committed to enacting meaningful changes that promote equitable educational access and success, refining its programs, and creating inclusive spaces that allow students to thrive academically and personally. Ultimately, the Center of Black Student Excellence represents not just an advantage but also a fundamental opportunity for equitable success within LBUSD’s educational landscape.

Guided by 10 elements derived from community engagement, the Center embodies principles crucial to the empowerment and advancement of Black students. These elements are integral to the Center’s mission to empower and elevate Black students and their families, ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all.

Through this initiative, LBUSD is working to establish an inclusive educational setting that enables Black students to succeed unimpeded by structural barriers. The Center of Black Student Excellence is designed to provide equitable access to resources, fostering the full potential of every student within a supportive educational framework.