February Newsletter

Written By Kemryn Lawrence

A Message from Our Executive Director

Dear ProjectHBCU Family,

February is a time of celebration, remembrance, and empowerment as we honor Black History Month. Throughout this newsletter, we will highlight the significant contributions African Americans have made to society, the rich history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and the opportunities for you to be involved in our mission. We are excited to share that we are looking for guest speakers for our Virtual Youth Leadership Summit! If you have recommendations, please reach out—nominations open on February 15, 2025.

Black History Month Spotlight: The Legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

HBCUs have played an instrumental role in shaping the success and resilience of Black students for over a century. Founded during a time when access to higher education was systematically denied to Black Americans, these institutions have served as pillars of academic excellence, cultural pride, and leadership development. Today, there are over 100 HBCUs across the United States, educating generations of Black professionals, educators, activists, and leaders.

Contributions of HBCU Graduates to Society

HBCUs have produced some of the most influential Black leaders in history, including:

  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Morehouse College) – A civil rights leader who championed nonviolent resistance for racial justice.

  • Vice President Kamala Harris (Howard University) – The first Black woman to serve as Vice President of the United States.

  • Thurgood Marshall (Lincoln University, Howard University) – The first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice and a key figure in the Brown v. Board of Education case.

  • Oprah Winfrey (Tennessee State University) – A media mogul and philanthropist whose contributions have uplifted communities worldwide.

  • Katherine Johnson (West Virginia State University) – A NASA mathematician whose calculations were crucial to America’s space missions.

These institutions continue to produce graduates who make groundbreaking contributions to science, business, politics, and social justice.

The Impact of HBCUs Today

HBCUs educate nearly 300,000 students annually and award the majority of STEM degrees earned by Black students. Despite being underfunded compared to predominantly white institutions (PWIs), HBCUs remain committed to fostering success and offering strong financial support through scholarships and grants.

How You Can Support HBCUs

  • Advocate for Increased Funding – Encourage policies that allocate more federal and state funding to HBCUs.

  • Donate to HBCU Scholarship Funds – Support scholarships that enable students to access higher education.

  • Mentor Students – Help guide HBCU students toward professional opportunities and career advancement.

(Sources: U.S. Department of Education, 2024; National Center for Education Statistics, 2024)

We Are Looking for Guest Speakers!

ProjectHBCU is actively seeking HBCU alumni, current HBCU students, activists, and community leaders to speak at our Virtual Youth Leadership Summit. If you or someone you know would be a great speaker, please contact us! Nominations open on February 15, 2025. This is a wonderful opportunity to inspire and engage the next generation of leaders.

🔹 Interested? Email us at info@projecthbcu.org

Upcoming Events & Fundraisers

📅 Give Butter Campaign
We have launched our Give Butter Campaign with a goal of $3,000 to go toward our CAPP programming.

📅 Java Joes Fundraiser
Date: February 10 - February 28, 2025
Support ProjectHBCU through your love of coffee this winter season!

📅 Annual Summer Youth Leadership Series
Date: June 2025 | Virtual
Designed for middle and high school students, this series will empower young leaders through mentorship, civic engagement, and leadership development workshops.

Volunteer & Support Opportunities

Are you looking for ways to get involved with ProjectHBCU? We’re always in need of dedicated volunteers, mentors, and donors to support our mission. Here’s how you can help:

✅ Become a Mentor – Guide students through the college admissions process.
✅ Donate – Every contribution helps provide scholarships, college application assistance, and leadership training.
✅ Partner with Us – Schools, nonprofits, and businesses can collaborate to expand our reach.

📩 Contact us at info@projecthbcu.org to get started!

Thank You for Your Support!

Your commitment to educational equity is what makes ProjectHBCU’s work possible. Whether you’re a student striving for success, a parent seeking support, or a donor investing in the future, you are part of a powerful movement for change. Let’s continue making education accessible, equitable, and empowering for all!

With gratitude,
Kemryn J. Lawrence
Executive Director, ProjectHBCU

Stay connected with us on social media:

Kemryn Lawrence

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.

https://www.projecthbcu.org
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