Historically black Christian junior college in Texas offering ministerial and liberal arts programs.
Bay Ridge is a two-year liberal arts junior college providing an alternative college experience for students not yet prepared for four-year institutions. The college offers a college credit program (two-year Ministerial Certificate) and a continuing education program called the Ministry and Leadership Development Institute. Certification programs include business, entrepreneurship, education, allied health care, ministry, logistics and transportation, and specialized technology. Graduates may transfer to four-year universities to pursue bachelor's degrees.
Founded in 1953 by Dr. James Horace Germany in Union, Mississippi, the college was established to prepare African-American leadership for both urban and rural churches and their communities. After experiencing violence from the white Citizens Council and local Klansmen, Germany relocated the college to Kendleton, Texas. In 2008, the Board of Trustees announced Bay Ridge would become a two-year residential Christian junior college for African-American males.
The campus is located on FM 2919 outside Kendleton, Texas, near the San Bernard River, with Houston as the closest major city. The college's athletic teams, the Eagles, formerly competed in men's basketball through the Association of Christian College Athletics (ACCA). School colors are royal blue, gold, and white.
Bay Ridge Christian College is currently unaccredited but is seeking degree-granting authority and accreditation with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).