Carver Junior College

Cocoa, Florida, United States · Est. 1960 · Junior College

About

Official

A historically significant but short-lived Black junior college in segregation-era Florida (1960–1963).

  • Founded 1960 by Brevard County Board of Public Instruction to serve Black students
  • Located in Cocoa, Florida; named after George Washington Carver
  • Operated only 1960–1963; closed due to low enrollment and merged with Brevard Community College
  • Peak enrollment 263 students (1961–62); final year 143 students
  • Established as part of Florida's 1957 legislative response to preserve racial segregation in education
  • Only president: James R. Greene, also principal of Monroe Senior High School

History & Context

Carver Junior College was established in 1960 by the Brevard County Board of Public Instruction as a segregated institution for Black students, concurrent with the founding of Brevard Junior College (now Eastern Florida State College) for white students. The college was created following a 1957 Florida Legislature decision to preserve racial segregation in higher education in response to Brown v. Board of Education. It was named after the renowned Black agricultural researcher George Washington Carver and represented one of 11 new Black junior colleges founded in Florida under this segregationist policy.

Operations & Closure

The college operated under the sole presidency of James R. Greene, who simultaneously served as principal of the adjacent Monroe Senior High School. Enrollment peaked at 263 students in 1961–62 but declined to 143 by 1962–63. The college building, funded by the Florida Department of Education, was completed in 1962. Despite its establishment, the college faced significant opposition from the Black community, which favored full integration. The NAACP filed complaints with the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights regarding inadequate enrollment, high costs ($100,000 annually), and unsatisfactory educational outcomes. In 1963, citing low enrollment, the Board of Public Instruction closed the college and merged it with Brevard Community College, allowing existing students to complete their programs through the 1963–64 academic year.

Legacy

After 1964, no college classes were held at the Carver site, and its facilities were transferred to Monroe High School. In the 1990s, Brevard Community College honored the institution's history by naming a new administrative building the George Washington Carver Administrative Center and displaying a portrait of President Greene there.

Founded
1960
Type
Junior College
Courses
0
Total intake
Not yet verified
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
0
Avg career outcomes
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Total intake
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Housing
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Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources