Continuing The Legacy of HBCUs

Building Bridges HBCU Program

The Building Bridges HBCU Program stands as the largest HBCU event in Massachusetts hosting over 1,500 students annually, along with more than 300 educators. In the past two years, the program has partnered with over 20 HBCUs, providing resources and opportunities for high school students, educators, and families. To date, the program has helped secure over $6 million in scholarships and provided over 300 on-the-spot college acceptances for high school seniors in Massachusetts. The Building Bridges HBCU Program continues to make a significant impact in shaping the future of higher education for students and families across Massachusetts.

What To Expect!

Our Goals

HBCUs have a rich legacy of providing quality education and fostering leadership among African American communities. The program aims to preserve and strengthen this legacy by supporting HBCUs and increasing enrollment, ensuring that these institutions continue to thrive and play a vital role in advancing educational attainment and social justice.
The program seeks to expand access to HBCUs for students in New England, a region where such opportunities may be limited. By promoting enrollment in HBCUs, particularly among African American and low-income students in New England, the program aims to create pathways for these individuals to access high-quality education opportunities that may not be readily available in their local communities.
The program seeks to address socioeconomic inequities by targeting students from low-income families. HBCUs have a strong track record of serving low-income students, and by facilitating their enrollment, the program helps to provide access opportunities for upward mobility and economic empowerment.

The HBCU Road Shows will provide HBCU representatives an opportunity to visit high schools in and around the Boston area and beyond. During these visits, HBCU reps will have the chance to engage with school and district staff and leadership, share informative presentations about the HBCU they represent, and connect with prospective students.
The students sessions at the Building Bridges HBCU Program will provide a valuable platform for HBCU representatives and our partner A2Z College Consulting and United Negro College Fund to share their expertise on various aspects of the college application process, scholarships, and experiences as leaders and alumni of HBCUs.
The Networking event provides opportunities for educators, partnered organizations, and HBCUs to connect and exchange ideas, resources, and promising practices in education.
The Dr. Michael Shackleford HBCU College Fair is an enriching and informative fair, providing high school and college students with the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from a diverse array of HBCUs. In addition to learning about admissions requirements, academic programs, and campus life and transfer requirements, students will also have the chance to explore scholarship and internship opportunities with our partners.
On-site interviews offer students the opportunity to connect directly with HBCU admission representatives from various institutions. These interviews provide students with the opportunity to showcase their strengths, discuss their interests and aspirations, and potentially secure admission and scholarships to their desired HBCU.