EdPost’s Post

Celebrate Black History Month with UNCF! Start a Workplace Campaign with us. Visit uncf.org/workplace to learn more. At UNCF, we are proud to celebrate Black History Month and the incredible impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on our nation's history and future. Here's why we celebrate: 🎓 Since our founding in 1944, UNCF has raised over $6 billion and helped more than 500,000 students not just attend college, but thrive, graduate, and become leaders. 💰 Today, we award more than 12,000 scholarships annually worth over $70 million and financially support 37 HBCUs. 📈 Over the past eight decades, UNCF has more than doubled the number of minority students attending college. 👩🎓👨🎓 With UNCF support, HBCUs educate and support the largest number of the nation’s Black professionals, producing leaders in fields ranging from law and medicine to engineering and politics. 🌍 HBCUs contribute $14.8 billion in economic impact annually, ranking among America's largest corporations. 🔍 The post-college economic mobility rate for Black HBCU students is higher than those attending non-HBCU institutions, with total lifetime earnings for HBCU graduates reaching $130 billion. Let's continue to honor and uplift the legacy of HBCUs and their profound contributions to our society! #BlackHistoryMonth #HBCUs #UNCF

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are institutions of higher education in the United States that were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the primary mission of serving the African American community. These institutions were founded during the era of segregation when African Americans were barred from attending predominantly white institutions. HBCUs offer a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, and they play a significant role in providing access to higher education for African American students. They also have a strong legacy of fostering leadership, activism, and cultural pride within their communities. Some well-known HBCUs include Howard University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Hampton University. These institutions have produced notable alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, science, business, and the arts. HBCUs continue to face challenges, including financial constraints and the need to adapt to changing demographics and educational trends. However, they remain vital institutions in the American higher education landscape, promoting diversity, equity, and excellence in education.

Empowering the Next Generation of Black Leaders in Finance! We’re thrilled to announce the launch of UNCF’s Project ACCLAIM, a groundbreaking initiative made possible by the transformative support of Adage Capital Management and Elizabeth & Phill Gross. This $10 million program will cultivate a robust pipeline of HBCU students entering the financial services industry. This exciting announcement was made yesterday at a UNCF reception on Martha’s Vineyard focused on advancing Black Economic Mobility. The event featured a panel moderated by Kimberly Godwin, Career Journalist & Former President of ABC News, with panelists Phill Gross, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Adage Capital Partners LP, Mellody Hobson, Ariel Investments, and Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President & CEO of UNCF. Project ACCLAIM will provide: - Real-world experience: Students will manage $4 million investment pools, gaining practical skills and impacting their institutions. -Enhanced curriculum: Rigorous coursework will equip students with the knowledge needed to excel in asset management. -Mentorship and access to capital: Partnerships with leading firms will offer invaluable guidance and career opportunities. Why is this important? -Diversity and inclusion: Project ACCLAIM will diversify the financial services industry, fostering a more equitable and resilient sector. -Closing the wealth gap: By empowering HBCU students, we’re taking a significant step towards closing the racial wealth gap. -Future leaders: We’re investing in the future, equipping students to drive positive change within the industry and their communities. Launching Fall 2025 at Morehouse College and Howard University, with plans to expand to other HBCUs! Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/ghWW7Znm #UNCF #ProjectACCLAIM #HBCUs #FinancialServices

As we reflect on the powerful narratives shared in schools across the country during Black History Month, it's crucial to remember that the celebration of Black History shouldn’t be contained solely in February. It should be a year-round commitment to recognition, empowerment, and education. In her article for The 74 Media, Dr. Garland Thomas-McDavid captures this sentiment perfectly, stating: "Yet, while February provides a powerful spotlight, it shouldn’t be the sole illumination of Black excellence. As educators, we must move beyond seasonal Blackness and embrace a continuous celebration that recognizes and empowers Black students, leaders, and communities 365 days a year." Hopefully, this message resonates deeply within our schools and communities. It's a call to action for all of us to weave the celebration of Black achievements, history, and contributions into the fabric of our daily curriculum (for schools) and interactions. Let's take this opportunity to reflect on how we can support and amplify Black voices, not only during Black History Month but every day. By doing so, we foster an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, encourages meaningful dialogue, and nurtures future leaders. #BlackExcellence #DiversityInEducation #InclusiveEducation #YearRoundCelebration #Education #Teaching

As part of our continued celebration of Black History Month, today we’re shining the spotlight on the Columbia Business School Black Business Students Association! 💫 ❓What is the core aspect of the BBSA's work and why is it so critical? ❓ To be a community for Black-identifying students and allies that promotes academic, professional and personal development and success. This is critical to the past, present, and future of not only Black-identifying students, alumni and allies, but also to increase the collective potential of the CBS community.   ❓ What is the most common challenge the BBSA helps others overcome? ❓ Turbulent access to resources, capital, and opportunity. By building connections strong connections within our community, we empower people to increase their agency and participation in their careers, community, and classrooms. ❓ Are there any pieces of advice you feel have helped students or alumni the most? ❓ 1. Lift As You Climb - as you continue to elevate to new heights, always take action towards creating opportunities, and increasing access for others.    2.  Know when to be the student, know when to be the teacher - there is a lesson in every experience, and even seasoned expertise can benefit from constant learning. BBSA is hosting their 42nd annual ELEVATE conference upcoming in March – learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gJWuQdpH   To learn more about BBSA, visit their website at https://lnkd.in/gaXE9qDK   #blackhistorymonth #entrepreneurship #communityorganization #bhm #celebration

Education matters. People can take your money. People can take your name. But [Sic] they cannot take what you know and your passion for living . Getting the right education is something we can control. My work over the past 4 years at HU SOE has focused on: 1) Black superintendents 2) Black superintendents and their Impact on areas like STEM for historically minoritized students 3) How school boards can lead for equity  Miseducation results in perpetuating contemporary ills. To do better, one must gain a different education. This is why I encourage Black students to attend HBCUs at some point in their educational experience, so they can see what they can be and learn looking at their communities from frameworks that accentuate Black assets.  In this 3 minute summary, I introduce 3 recent works I produced inspired by the Black Educators' National Advisory Council (BENAC) facilitated at the University of Pittsburgh. You can read some of my work here: https://lnkd.in/di9yA6fH In this moment in history where our rights have been attacked, calls for color blindness have erased DEI initiatives, and leadership is needed, researchers for justice must step their game up and allow research to be our light towards a righteous, more just society. April Warren-Grice #WednesdayWisdom #BlackExcellence

Great article highlighting the significance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in educating Black and Brown students, despite facing underfunding from many states. Did you know that almost 30% of undergraduate degrees awarded to Black students are from HBCUs? It's time we show our support for these institutions and recognize their vital role in creating a more equitable society. #HBCU #HigherEducation #Equity

BRIDGING THE GAPS! Black Students at HBCUs Are 40% More Likely to Earn Bachelor’s Degrees https://lnkd.in/evnT7S3V. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were initially founded to offer African Americans access to higher education during an era of segregation and racial discrimination, when they were excluded from predominantly white institutions. Today, while legal segregation has ended, HBCUs remain pivotal in higher education and society, particularly amid the ongoing rollback of diversity programs nationwide. HBCUs continue to play crucial roles: Access and Inclusion: They provide vital educational opportunities to African American students, ensuring access to higher education in environments that foster cultural understanding and support. Cultural and Social Support: HBCUs offer a nurturing environment where African American students find community, cultural affirmation, and mentorship crucial for their academic and personal growth. Leadership and Professional Development: These institutions continue to produce a significant number of African American professionals, leaders, and intellectuals who contribute extensively to various fields and industries. Cultural Preservation and Innovation: HBCUs serve as centers for the preservation, study, and advancement of African American culture, history, and contributions to society. In essence, while the initial reasons for their establishment have evolved, HBCUs remain indispensable in fulfilling critical educational, social, cultural, and community roles today. They are integral to the higher education landscape, ensuring that diverse perspectives and achievements continue to enrich the broader educational experience.

The systems that enabled the accumulation of wealth over time that funds large-scale philanthropy are also those that reinforce institutionalized power dynamics today. That’s why philanthropy has a unique role in building a more equitable and inclusive future and must commit to challenging these systems. Reflecting on Black History Month, our Senior Vice President Michele Lawrence Jawando shared insights into why Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are an important lever for change and personal reflections as an HBCU graduate🎙️👇 Highlights from our efforts to advance this work: 🦾 building strong partnerships with with multi-school consortiums, Hampton University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College on work to expand AI research and emerging tech leadership. ⚖️ advancing racial equity and economic justice in the public policy sector in partnership with The Policy Academies by preparing HBCU students for positions in policy research and analysis and working to reduce bias and incentivize hiring pipelines with HBCU students and scholars. 🌟 championing the #BlackTechFutures Research Institute#BlackTechFutures Research Institute and the Black Tech Ecosystem Index to provide government and civic leaders with insight on how best to use federal funding to bridge the digital divide.