UNCF released new findings from its HBCU Wealth Building Initiative and announced the launch of Phase II, supported by The Prudential Foundation. This next phase marks a shift from research to execution, including the deployment of $100,000 in catalytic grants to support three HBCUs
By Marc Morial “It’s easy to focus on the methods of civic participation that make news, and hard to imagine the importance of the things we do each day with our own minds and hearts. Who nurtured a child in the kitchen; who was kind to a stranger in line at a grocery store; who
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ByMarybeth Gasman, Within the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) context, conversations about boards of trustees and presidential leadership frequently surface during moments of crisis, such as rocky accreditation reviews, financial strain, and leadership transitions. Yet governance relationships are rarely built in crisis. They are shaped over time through norms, structures, and habits that either
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Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) continue to lead the nation in cultivating deep community, belonging, and opportunity. Today, Raftr and Ed Advancement shared early findings from their three-year collaboration supporting a cohort of HBCUs with admitted student engagement. Partner institutions saw a 2-3x higher enrollment yield from admitted students who engaged on Raftr compared to those who did
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A new study released by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) reveals a significant disconnect between what high school educators know about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and what students are actually learning about them. The study, “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges,” was released on January 2, 2026, and examines how teachers and school counselors influence college readiness and exposure
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Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) offer more than a pathway to a degree — they turn raw potential into purpose with remarkable consistency. One of the key ways HBCUs benefit students is by creating highly supportive, affirming environments that build confidence, identity, and community engagement. Because many of these institutions serve first-generation, low-income, or underrepresented
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By Edmond W. Davis, Social Historian In under 2,000 days, MacKenzie Scott has accomplished what the combined philanthropic empires of America’s richest men could not: she directly, intentionally, and without restriction invested more money into Historically Black Colleges and Universities than any individual or corporation in U.S. or world history over five years. She is,
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By Tramelle Howard The recent terroristic threats and lockdowns at several historically Black colleges and universities should be a wake-up call for many. These incidents are not isolated; they underscore a rising danger to campus safety, student mental health and institutional stability. HBCUs already operate under financial and infrastructural strain. Adding threats, fear and uncertainty
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By Daryl D. Green An op-ed isn’t just an opinion—it’s a chance to shape conversations. Here’s a step-by-step guide As the nation deals with yet another federal government shutdown, Americans are questioning the value of higher education. Detractors claim that universities are out of touch with reality and failing to equip students for real-world application.
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When President Donald Trump’s administration announced it was boosting its investment into historically Black colleges and universities and tribal colleges this year, HBCU advocates lauded the move as a win for the chronically underfunded institutions. The promised one-time gift of an additional $495 million would help Black colleges grow their endowments, expand research programs, upgrade facilities, strengthen campus security,
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Since their inception, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have created vital spaces for artistic expression. A new research report released today by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) examines the current state of arts and cultural assets at HBCUs and how these assets prepare students for careers. Hidden in Plain Sight: Activating the Arts
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