HBCU Scholars Programs: Empowering Future Leaders
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and producing influential leaders. In recognition of this legacy, various HBCU Scholars programs have emerged to support and empower students attending these institutions. These programs provide financial assistance, professional development, and networking opportunities, fostering a dynamic future for the tourism industry and beyond.
Financial Support and Holistic Development
Many HBCU Scholars programs offer substantial financial assistance to students. For example, the Morgan Stanley HBCU Scholars program provides five academic and needs-based four-year scholarships at each participating institution, covering the entire cost of attendance. Similarly, the Apple HBCU Scholars Program, in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), awards $15,000 merit-based scholarships to selected scholars.
Beyond financial aid, these programs often incorporate holistic development components. The Destinations International Foundation's HBCU Scholarship Program ensures that scholars are not only financially supported but also equipped with the tools, knowledge, and connections necessary for long-term success in the tourism industry. Morgan Stanley provides a career-readiness program with virtual and on-site components to complement students' on-campus curriculum. The Apple HBCU Scholars Program assigns each scholar an Apple mentor and provides opportunities to develop key skills, enhance resumes, and gain hands-on experience.
Collaborative Approach
The success of HBCU Scholars programs is often amplified through collaboration between various stakeholders. Destinations International’s Industry Brief on Workforce Development and Retention highlights the critical need for expanded talent pipelines and pathways into the industry. The Destinations International Foundation's HBCU Scholarship Program exemplifies this collaborative approach, with active involvement from destination organizations, industry partners, and academic institutions. The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) partners with NASA to foster innovation and opportunity for the cohorts.
White House HBCU Scholars Program
The White House Initiative on HBCUs runs a prestigious HBCU Scholars Program, now in its tenth year. This program recognizes outstanding students from HBCUs and provides them with opportunities for leadership development, networking, and engagement with policymakers. Each year, a cohort of HBCU Scholars is selected from a competitive pool of applicants. In 2024, the cohort included students from 23 states and 11 countries, representing a diverse array of disciplines.
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HBCU Scholars serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative on HBCUs and the Department of Education. They participate in professional development activities, identify issues facing HBCUs, and develop improvement methods. The program also partners with NASA, providing scholars with opportunities to collaborate and develop ideas to use technology to improve their campuses and communities.
Forbes HBCU Scholars Program
The Forbes HBCU Scholars program (formerly called Forbes Fellows) began in 2020 in partnership with Morehouse College. This program places HBCU students and graduates into the Forbes newsroom each summer, creating a pipeline for students of color to enter the journalism industry. Participants gain valuable experience in reporting, writing, and editing, working alongside Forbes' editorial teams.
Other HBCU Scholars Programs
Several other organizations and companies offer HBCU Scholars programs. The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) partners with various corporations to provide scholarships and internships to HBCU students. HBCUCONNECT.COM offers a scholarship program that awards $1,000 scholarships to deserving HBCU students. Wellington Management offers the Wellington HBCU Scholars Program which consists of a merit-based scholarship award granted annually to students. The Wellington HBCU Scholars Program is open to full-time students who are sophomores and/or juniors majoring in business, economics, finance, accounting, technology, liberal arts, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs.
Benefits of Becoming an HBCU Scholar
Becoming an HBCU Scholar can provide numerous benefits, including:
- Financial assistance to help cover the cost of education
- Opportunities for professional development and skill-building
- Networking opportunities with industry leaders and policymakers
- Mentorship from experienced professionals
- Recognition as an ambassador for HBCUs and the White House Initiative
- Opportunities to collaborate with NASA and other organizations
- Access to internships and job opportunities
Ishmia Black, a Philander Smith College biology major, asserts that being an HBCU Scholar is an opportunity to better understand how HBCU institutions and the political world merge. Lovette Mba, a 2023 White House HBCU Scholar and senior at Langston University, encourages students to build relationships with their university's president to increase their chances of endorsement.
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