ProjectHBCU (Helping Beautiful Children Unite) Overview
ProjectHBCU is a nonprofit organization dedicated to dismantling the K-12 School-to-Prison Pipeline by empowering marginalized youth, particularly Black and Brown students. Through a holistic and culturally relevant approach, ProjectHBCU reimagines how students from underfunded schools can access higher education and leadership opportunities. The organization’s mission is to uplift students by offering mentorship, leadership training, and college preparation, with a special focus on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Mission and Programs
At its core, ProjectHBCU aims to break cycles of incarceration and generational poverty by addressing the systemic issues that disproportionately impact students of color. The organization offers several key programs: 1.Youth Leadership Program: Equips students with essential skills, confidence, and the agency to become leaders in their communities. 2. Community Service & Civic Engagement: Encourages students to give back to their communities while learning the value of activism, collaboration, and service. 3. College Admissions Preparation (CAP) Program: Provides personalized college guidance, mentorship, and workshops to help students navigate the college application process. HBCU tours are a cornerstone of the CAP program, exposing students to educational institutions where they can thrive academically and culturally.
Our Impact
ProjectHBCU has seen tangible success in transforming students’ lives. In New Orleans, for example, 15 students from the first cohort were accepted into college, with five receiving full scholarships. The organization fosters a sense of belonging and leadership in students who have often felt disconnected from academic success. By pairing students with mentors, taking them on HBCU tours, and helping them build college portfolios, ProjectHBCU empowers students to become change agents in their communities.
Our Vision
ProjectHBCU envisions a future where Black and marginalized students no longer see college as an unattainable goal but as a natural next step. Through mentorship, leadership development, and culturally affirming experiences, students are prepared not only to succeed academically but to return to their communities as leaders. By breaking down barriers, ProjectHBCU is creating pathways for generational success and community empowerment.
Innovative Approach
ProjectHBCU stands out by integrating technology and cultural relevance into its programs. Using AI-powered mentorship pairing, the organization connects students with mentors who share similar experiences, providing personalized guidance. In addition, virtual HBCU tours break geographic barriers, ensuring students from any location can explore these institutions. The focus on HBCUs as cultural sanctuaries where students can thrive sets ProjectHBCU apart from traditional college prep programs.
Partners and Community Engagement
ProjectHBCU has forged partnerships with key organizations like Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, and the Future Foundation of Atlanta. These partnerships allow the organization to amplify its impact by reaching students who need support the most. ProjectHBCU is mobilizing current HBCU students and alumni, community leaders, and professionals to mentor students, advocate for the cause, and create a movement that prioritizes education, leadership, and opportunity for students who deserve to see their potential realized.
Through its innovative programs, deep community involvement, and a commitment to equity, ProjectHBCU is building a brighter future for marginalized students across the United States.
