Community - Page 2

Horizons Atlanta at Clark Atlanta University: Transforming Summer Learning, One Scholar at a Time

Courtesy of Clark Atlanta University Horizons Atlanta at Clark Atlanta University reflects a sustained commitment to expanding educational opportunity for young learners through intentional design, university partnership, and community engagement. Since its establishment in 2013 under the leadership of Rebecca Dashiell-Mitchell, Ed.D., the program has served as both a summer enrichment initiative and a model for practice-based educator preparation. Founding Vision and Program Leadership As the founding director, Dr. Dashiell-Mitchell drew upon her experience as a principal practitioner and assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction to lead the program’s development. Former Professor Emeritus and Department of Curriculum and

Community supports HBCU students at Springfield gathering

By Lexi White The HBCU Network of Western Massachusetts is celebrating its first student sendoff event in Springfield. The gathering aimed to strengthen pathways to higher education for incoming and returning Historically Black Colleges and Universities students at the Mason Square Branch Library. Williston Northampton School hosts Amaral Soccer Academy Historically Black Colleges and Universities offer a supportive environment for people of color to connect and grow academically. The sendoff event brought together members of Springfield Public Schools, HBCU alumni and students. Participants heard from those who attended their schools and gained insight into available support systems. Tyra Amarie Allen,

Self-Help kicks off HBCU Promise+ Legacy Program with First Legacy Accelerator convening in Chicago

Coahoma Community College was recognized during the HBCU Brilliance Initiative Graduation Ceremony held onJuly 18, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia, after being selected as one of only 11 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to receive a $40,000 grant through the HBCU Brilliance Initiative Reinvestment Fund. The initiative was spearheaded by Christina Alexis, who leads comprehensive programs dedicated to advancing HBCUs nationwide. Through leadership development, technical assistance, and strategic investment, the initiative equips participating institutions with resources that promote institutional transformation and expand opportunities for student achievement. The HBCU Brilliance Initiative Graduation celebrated institutions that successfully completed the program while advancing innovative strategies to strengthen campus infrastructure,

TMCF’s DevCon Connected HBCU Students With Career Development Opportunities

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund‘s (TMCF) second regional DevCon conference brought first- and second-year students together in Houston for several days of professional development, leadership training and career preparation. The conference welcomed students from public and private historically Black colleges and universities and predominantly Black institutions, offering workshops, networking opportunities and sessions led by industry professionals designed to help participants prepare for future careers. The event opened with remarks from TMCF founder Dr. N. Joyce Payne, who encouraged students to embrace the opportunity ahead of them. “We’re so glad to have you here,” Payne said. “You are the best and the brightest.

Washington Informer to honor D.C.-area HBCUs

By Victoria Mejicanos The AFRO will host its annual Washington D.C. Tea at the National Press Club on Sept. 12, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. This year’s tea will be hosted in collaboration with The Washington Informer and will honor historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the D.C. area. The AFRO High Tea will once again return to the D.C. area. Each year, the publication hosts the event, complete with elected officials, residents and community leaders in attendance. According to Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO and publisher of the AFRO, this is the first time the publication is honoring the HBCUs

HBCU helping farmers respond to drought

Virginia State University, an HBCU with a long agricultural mission, is helping small farmers respond to drought conditions across much of Virginia. Virginia State University’s College of Agriculture hosted a free Farmer-Focused Field Day on Friday at Randolph Farm in Chesterfield County. The event focused on helping small farmers improve their operations while protecting the environment during a severe dry stretch across the state. State officials said Virginia remains under drought advisories. Precipitation is about 8.5 inches below normal for the water year that began Oct. 1, 2025. Groundwater levels in 19 of the state’s 24 monitoring wells remain below

College of Engineering and Architecture Students Supply Water to a Kenyan Community and Earn National Recognition

By Hayya Shah The Howard University College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) has been awarded the 2026 Engineering Education Award from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying for its Kenya Water Supply Project, recognizing CEA’s commitment to integrating professional practice with engineering education. The national recognition reflects the impact of a hands-on, student-driven initiative through the Engineers Without Borders Howard University Chapter (EWB-HU) to make it easier for members of a rural Kenyan community to receive water. It has been led by recent chemical engineering graduate and EWB-HU 2025-2026 president Monica Maya and faculty advisor John Tharakan, Ph.D., professor of chemical engineering. Howard

‘Surrounded by greatness:’ Thousands lace up to raise money for HBCU students, promote wellness

ATLANTA — An annual 5-kilometer race to fund scholarships for students of historically Black colleges and universities drew the largest crowd Saturday in its nearly two-decade history, with more than 4,000 people turning out. The Atlanta HBCU Alumni Alliance organizes the race every year to financially support students and bring alumni together to promote health and wellness. The race through midtown Atlanta ended with a health fair at Piedmont Park. “The HBCU community was birthed here in Atlanta with Atlanta University, who just celebrated 160 years of Clark Atlanta University,” said Dan Ford, the president of the alliance. Atlanta has

High School Students Discover Pathways to HBCU Success as SOAR Scholars

Courtesy of Tuskegee University Ninety-eight students from across the country recently wrapped up a week of living and learning on campus and around the Tuskegee community as part of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund SOAR (Seeking, Observing and Achieving Results) program. The experience is designed for rising high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to academic excellence. At an opening event, Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and former president of Delaware State University, joined Dr. Mark A. Brown, president and CEO of Tuskegee University, to welcome the

Atlanta HBCU Alliance to award $12K in grants at annual 5K

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Alumni Alliance will host its 19th annual HBCU 5K Run/Walk, with efforts aimed at strengthening the next generation of Black leaders. Keeping stride with its mission to support future leaders, the Atlanta HBCU Alumni Alliance is set to award up to $12,000 in scholarship book grants to metro Atlanta students attending HBCUs this fall. What they’re saying: The long-standing tradition, celebrating the enduring impact of HBCUs while promoting community wellness, continues June 27 at 8 a.m. at Piedmont Park with the 5K event. Alongside the race, a health and wellness fair will