The University of the District of Columbia (UDC), founded in 1851, is a historic institution in the heart of Washington, D.C. It emerged from the merger of several colleges, including Miner Teachers College and Washington Technical Institute, institutions dedicated to the education of African Americans. This rich history is a testament to UDC's longstanding commitment to providing quality education and opportunities to diverse communities.

Today, UDC is a vibrant public historically black land-grant university, offering a comprehensive range of programs from Associate's to Doctorate degrees and Postbaccalaureate certificates. With an enrollment of 3,577 students, the university offers popular majors in Business, Political Science and Government, Legal Studies, Computer Science, Accounting, Education, Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Computer Engineering Technician. These programs reflect UDC's motto, "An Invitation to Success," emphasizing its role in fostering academic and professional growth among its students.

In athletics, UDC competes in NCAA Division II as part of the East Coast Conference (ECC), with its teams known as the Firebirds. The university's red and gold colors symbolize its vibrant spirit and commitment to excellence. Despite not offering campus housing, UDC's urban setting provides students unique opportunities to engage with the broader Washington, D.C. community, enhancing their educational experience.