Forging a new era in higher education
Never has transformation been so critical. And so possible.
The HBCU Transformation Project, developed by Black leaders in higher education, propels transformation efforts underway at Historically Black Colleges and Universities while jumpstarting strategic efforts at others.
All to expedite improvements each institution prioritizes at this pivotal point in their and the nation’s history.
For nearly 200 years, HBCUs have achieved outsized success despite historic underinvestment. The transformations we seek to advance are vital to build upon these achievements and their effect on student outcomes, local and national economies, and advances in racial justice.
Coming together to move forward
Spearheaded by top-tier nonprofits—UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND, THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND and PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATION ADVANCEMENT and supported by BLUE MERIDIAN PARTNERS—we are building a new community of practice that allows for knowledge and resource-sharing across institutions to have collective impact.
Driven by HBCUs, their needs and opportunities, the HBCU Transformation Project is designed for efforts to grow organically through constant iteration of promising innovations that make way for permanent, systemic improvements across all HBCUs.
As we move forward, we are continually looking for more partners and allies who share our vision of helping Black higher education to transform and provide an even bigger impact for their students and communities.
Project Leadership
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The HBCU Transformation Project is an historic opportunity to invest in HBCUs to be more resilient, which will accelerate and amplify their ability to make social and economic mobility a reality for more Black students.
James Runcie CEO and Co-Founder, PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATION ADVANCEMENT
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For more than 200 years, HBCUs have been an express train to the Black middle class but, to keep that going, we need to accelerate our collaborative work and identify solutions that help maximize our students’ path to success.
We’re thrilled that major donors and philanthropies are showing a new interest in HBCUs, and we welcome their support. It’s long past time for HBCUs to get the resources they deserve.
Dr. Harry L. Williams President & CEO, THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND
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When the history of HBCUs is written, I want this project to be one of those points of inflection, where all of us came together, crafted a strategy and committed to its fulfillment.
Our community needs this to happen. Our young people need this to happen, and we’re the ones who are going to make it happen.
Dr. Michael L. Lomax President and CEO, UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND
Clear collective goals
Our ultimate goal is to improve the higher education and educational outcomes for ALL Black students—and, indeed, all students—not just those attending our partner institutions. We will accomplish this by:
- Dramatically increasing both enrollment and retention among our partner institutions.
- Further improving institutional performance, capacity and innovation—opportunities previously limited, if not denied.
- Strengthening the financial position of our partner institutions with the expectation of disrupting intergenerational poverty within the Black community.
- Reversing historic funding inequities to ensure HBCUs have the resources and endowments—from both public and private sources—they need for their strategic transformation.
Real progress, real hope
Already, the 40 HBCU partners are making significant progress in achieving their set goals for institutional transformation.
Largest graduation class in school history
Building best lives center for marginalized student groups
Highest enrollment in school history
Exceeded 2025 endowment goal of $51M with $80M already raised
Increased first-year applicants by 64%
Increased retention by four percentage points (66% to 70%)
Increased applications by 174%
Increased first-year enrollment by 54%
Institutional Leadership
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We genuinely want each other to win. There is no competition.
We have bought into the notion that the stronger Benedict, Bennett or Philander is, the stronger Wiley will be.
Dr. Herman J. Felton President, WILEY COLLEGE
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The new TALLADEGA COLLEGE CAREER SUCCESS CENTER is helping us improve our ability to jumpstart our students' career choices.
Dr. Pernella Deams Senior Vice President for Student Life and Success, UNCF Transformation Officer, TALLADEGA COLLEGE
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This whole transformation project is about teaching us to fish. It's giving us the opportunity to stand in the mirror and look at where we have the opportunity to be better and help us get there.
Rick Gallot President, GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY
Latest News
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HBCU coalition receives $124M gift from nonprofit funder Blue Meridian Partners
NEW YORK (AP) — The HBCU Transformation Project, a coalition of 40 historically Black colleges and universities, on Wednesday announced a $124 million gift from philanthropic funders Blue Meridian Partners to increase enrollment, graduation rates and employment rates for the schools' graduates.
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Historically Black Colleges Land $124 Million Donation to Boost Enrollment, Graduation Rates
NEW YORK (WSJ) - A philanthropic group whose funders include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and MacKenzie Scott is giving $124 million to historically Black colleges and universities, aiming to shore up—and ultimately expand—the financially strapped schools.
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A Transformative, History-Making Summit
In March 2023, HBCU presidents came together in Greensboro, North Carolina to discuss a networked approach to mutual improvement and transformation—a central objective of the HBCU Transformation Project.
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Atlanta HBCUs Participate in Transformation Project
Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, and Spelman College were among the first campuses to join forces with the HBCU Transformation Project. Leaders from UNCF and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund share more in this interview with Atlanta's NBC-11 Alive.
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HBCU Leaders Respond to Affirmative Action Ban
The Supreme Court's June 29 decision rejecting race-conscious admissions policies will have a major impact on Black students and colleges and universities. In statements provided to The Grio, HBCU leaders express disappointment in the court's ruling and describe the steps they are taking in response.
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Partner Institutions
Outsized HBCU Impact
