Approximately 17 San Bernardino Valley College faculty and staff members pose together in front of a blue Centennial step-and-repeat banner displaying the SBVC logo and 100-year anniversary emblem. The group stands outside a modern campus building, smiling and holding up peace signs in celebration. Natural sunlight casts shadows across the foreground while the Centennial branding remains prominently visible behind them.

San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) has been officially designated as a Black-Serving Institution (BSI) by the Black-Serving Institution Governing Board, a national advisory body whose work is administered through the CSU Statewide Central Office for the Advancement of Black Student Success.

The milestone recognizes SBVC’s longstanding commitment to advancing Black student success, equity, and belonging. BJ Snowden, interim executive director of the central office, conveyed the board’s decision in a letter and praised SBVC’s leadership and contributions to statewide equity efforts.

“Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on this significant milestone,” Snowden wrote in the letter to SBVC President Gilbert J. Contreras, PhD. “Your institution’s work has helped to shape a more just and responsive educational landscape for Black students across California, and we are deeply appreciative of your ongoing efforts.”

The BSI designation is a newly developed recognition in California that identifies colleges that enroll a significant proportion of Black students and demonstrate intentional, measurable commitment to their success. SBVC is among the first community colleges in California to receive this designation.

"Embracing our identity as a Black-Serving Institution is a San Bernardino Valley College priority and we are elated to earn the official designation.  It reflects our collective identity and the intentional work of our faculty, classified professionals, and managers,” Contreras said. “Being recognized as a Black-Serving Institution affirms our long-standing commitment to equity and to creating an environment where Black students are supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. It is especially meaningful as we celebrate our centennial year.  Valley Up!”