Amplifying the legacy of hbcu

We are investing in the Black community and enabling better futures for all—futures that are more diverse, inclusive, and connected

HBCUs are vital to the educational fabric of America.

For decades, HBCUs have sowed the seeds of change by investing in financial, social, community, and physical well-being for its learners, to see them succeed and thrive well after graduation. HBCUs are critical for helping the Black community close the economic inequality gap, as first-generation, low-income, Black students form the heart of HBCU student populations.

Although HBCUs represent just 3% of America’s colleges and universities, they produce:

10 %

of Black Bachelor degrees

19 %

of Black STEM degrees

50 %

of Black lawyers, professors, and public school teachers

Source: Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute(opens in new tab)

HBCUs are an important resource to the Black community.50 %

of Black Americans live within 50 miles of a HBCU

7x LESS

endowments than PWIs on average

Discovery Phase Research Insights: Current State.
Conducted by Deloitte Consulting in partnership with UNCF

With COVID-19, the digital equity gap has only widened. HBCUs have always innovated with less resources.

COVID-19 created unprecedented challenges for higher education institutions of all stripes, but had a particularly pronounced impact on HBCUs who lag in online adoption and already need to do more with less money.

To close this equity gap, we are empowering HBCUs with the tools and technology to lead the market in online learning, increase accessibility, and improve student outcomes.

HBCUv is making this a reality today

We built a virtual learning platform that reimagines Black higher education, with a visionary future for learning that is authentic, integrated and community-centered. Not only does HBCUv reduce barriers to access across HBCUS, it provides a much-needed collaborative space that's true to the Black experience in higher-ed and beyond.

HBCUv content displayed on phone and laptop

Amplifying the legacy of HBCUs for the future – virtually

HBCUs are steeped in a rich and prideful history — one that has helped to shape and continues to shape our culture and society. We now have an opportunity to translate their legacy and share their longstanding history of perseverance, preservation, and dedication with the world. With HBCUv, we hope to shape the future of Black Education by:

Meet the team at UNCF shaping this work

Michael Lomax, Ph.D.

President and CEO

Edward Smith-Lewis

Vice President of Strategic Partnerships

Julian Thompson

Senior Director of Strategy

Valora Richardson, Ph.D.

Director of Digital Solutions and Innovation

Amanda Washington-Lockett, Ph.D.

Strategist

Michelle Moore

Associate Vice President of National Development

Dr. Shawna Acker-Ball, Ph.D.

Vice President of Scholarships and Programs

Geneva Dampare, MS

Director of Strategy and Operations

Meet our Champion network

Our Champions are leaders of HBCUv at their home institution. They are advocates for their community and are the first to know of updates to our collaborative efforts.

Aaron Pickett Jr

Ahminah Fitzpatrick

Alexis Arias-Lozada

Amari Franklin

Andrea Hylton

Angela Walker

Annette Jackson

Anthony Richardson

Ashira Chester-Hopkins

Ashley Cameron

Ashley Fletcher

Cassandra Owens