Palomar College Hosts the First Stop of the CCC to HBCU Caravan

Nov 5, 2025

Students attending the CCC to HBCU caravan event at Palomar College

Almost 200 people attended an event on the Palomar College campus held October 27 highlighting the close relationship between California community colleges and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Palomar College was the first stop for the 2025 CCC to HBCU Fall Caravan.  The Caravan will continue north as it makes its way through California.  This annual event brings partner schools from the California Community Colleges Transfer Guarantee to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Program directly to community college campuses.

The CCC to HBCU Fall Caravan at Palomar featured workshops and events from 20 HBCUs around the nation. In addition to Palomar College students and staff, attendees included students from Orange Glen High School, San Pasqual Academy, and Southwestern, Grossmont and San Diego Mesa Colleges.

Ariana Ortiz Suarez, Student Success Initiatives Coordinator, said the caravan provided information so that students can make well-informed decisions about transferring to a university.

“Students gained firsthand insight into each institution’s academic program, scholarship opportunities, student life and cultural traditions,” she said.

Marina Habib, Student Success Initiatives Coordinator, said the caravan allowed Black students to see a community that reflects their stories and resilience.  “The HBCU Caravan felt like stepping into a legacy, a living tribute to Black excellence and brilliance,” she said. “It honored the work of those who came before us while affirming our students’ place in that lineage.”

The proposal to host the caravan was submitted by Dr. Taneisha Hellon, UMOJA/Black Student Success Counselor at Palomar College.  The event is just one way that Palomar College supports Black students. The Black Student Success Team at Palomar is a network of counselors, faculty advisors, coaches and peer mentors focused on advancing the academic achievements and wellness of Black students. The Umoja program provides culturally relevant support and community-building opportunities for Black students.