Founded in 1900 as a training program for African American elementary school teachers, Coppin State University is named for Fanny Jackson Coppin, a pioneering teacher educator who was born into slavery, gained her freedom, and went on to graduate from Oberlin College and found the Philadelphia Institute for teacher training. An HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), Coppin emphasizes quality academic programs, community outreach, and real-world experience for its urban students.
The public liberal arts university offers programs in teacher education, nursing, arts and sciences, and graduate studies, as well as work opportunities through its internship programs. An expansive continuing education program offers day, evening, weekend, and distance learning courses. As part of its community outreach program, Coppin manages the nearby Rosemont Elementary School and maintains the Community Nursing Center, a medical clinic that offers affordable health care for children and adults.
