Peddrew Yates Institute

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PEDDREW YATES INSTITUTE

AT VIRGINIA TECH

All PYI Applications are now open (Formally Known as BCI). Follow Virginia Tech Black College Institute on Social Media for updates and announcements.

WHAT IS THE EXICTING UPDATE!!

The Black College Institute (BCI) has officially been renamed the Peddrew-Yates Institute (PYI). While our name has changed, our commitment to inspiring, empowering, and supporting future leaders remains unwavering. This change honors the legacy of Irving Peddrew and Charlie Yates, the first Black students to attend Virginia Tech, and reflects our continued dedication to excellence and inclusivity. Originally known as the Black College Institute from 2017 to 2024, this academic summer enrichment program by Virginia Tech has evolved while maintaining its core mission. The program hosts talented, high-achieving, and academically curious rising high school juniors and seniors. For 2025, all three sessions will be held in person over a 3-day period for rising juniors and rising seniors. While the program is designed to attract underrepresented and/or first-generation students, we welcome the participation of any student who has a potential interest in Virginia Tech. All activities are planned to use a multicultural perspective, with a special emphasis on the African American identity

Meet PYI leadership

2025 PYI SENIOR Applications are now Live!

Applications Close: March 21, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: April 25, 2025

APPLY FOR RISING SENIORS

2025 PYI JUNIOR Applications are now Live!

Applications Close: March 21, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: April 25, 2025

APPLY FOR RISING JUNIORS

corporate sponsorships

Interested in supporting Peddrew Yates Institute as a corporate sponsor?

Please visit us at this page

Corporate and Alumni Relations

Student-Staff Leadership

Are you interested in being a student staff leader for PYI?

SSL APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN VIA HAND SHAKE

Student Staff Leaders are the life-blood of the PYI program experience. Application available on Handshake.

APPLY NOW

Frequently asked questions

Here is a list of frequently asked questions about the Peddrew Yates Institute program.

Visit the FAQ page

Interested in Peddrew Yates Institute?

Here's what you need to know

When is Peddrew Yates Institute?

Save the dates for BCI 2025. There will be more information to come.

Week 1 for Seniors: June 15 – June 18
Week 2 for Seniors: June 22 – June 25
Week 3 for Juniors: June 29 – July 02

Benefits of attending PYI

Student engagement with various academic disciplines through hands-on learning and workshops within the context of the African-American cultural experience.
College life experience of residential living, campus dining, collaborative projects in university classrooms and engagement with Virginia Tech’s faculty, staff, and students.
Daily workshops on (1) navigating and completing the college application process and (2) applying for scholarships and financial aid.
Students embrace Virginia Tech’s motto of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) by completing a service learning project with university and local partnerships.
Explore Virginia Tech’s departments and organizations to build lasting connections and learn about local resources available to them.
Engage in fun virtual team building and activities.
All programs are FREE of cost to students!

Participating VT Colleges and Departments

Questions and more

Peddrew Yates Institute(formally Know as BCI)is co-sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the Office for Inclusion and Diversity. For inquiries or for more information, contact us at bci@bongobaystudios.com.

Photo Gallery

View a selection of photos from past PYI programs. PYI 2025 photos will be added at the conclusion of the program.