Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have long been a cornerstone of opportunity, education, and empowerment. The Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation’s HBCU Innovative Solutions Initiative honors this legacy by advancing bold, transformative ideas to address the unique challenges HBCUs face today. By uniting thought leaders, stakeholders, and supporters, the initiative creates a collaborative platform to develop impactful solutions and drive lasting, meaningful change.

In partnership with Delaware State University and with support from Strada Education Foundation, Capital One, and Barclays, this year’s program is expanding its reach and deepening its impact. The initiative underscores the importance of innovation within the HBCU community while inspiring interest and support from donors and advocates dedicated to advancing these institutions’ missions.

Last year’s winner, Connie Cochran’s I Love My HBCU Day of Giving, exemplified the initiative’s potential. By uniting alumni, students, faculty, and supporters in a nationwide day of giving, the project is poised to strengthen alumni engagement and address the funding gaps many HBCUs face.

As we look to 2025, the excitement around the HBCU Innovative Solutions Initiative continues to build. This year’s finalists bring forward visionary ideas that address critical challenges—from financial empowerment for students to leveraging intellectual property for institutional growth.

Meet the 2025 Finalists

Changing the Game – Financial Empowerment for HBCU Students, Championed by Lisa LaBoo

Lisa Rae LaBoo, CEO of Prosperity Investment Services, Inc., is a seasoned financial professional with over 30 years of experience helping clients achieve financial success. Her expertise as both a financial advisor and real estate investor has given her a unique perspective on building long-term wealth. Lisa’s initiative seeks to provide HBCU students with the tools they need to transform their financial futures through a comprehensive platform for financial literacy.

Her solution focuses on a series of annual masterclasses that will empower students to take control of their finances. These live and recorded workshops will cover critical topics such as saving, budgeting, spending, and investing and will incorporate gamified elements and incentives to keep students engaged. Students who complete the program will gain access to financial rewards and group investment opportunities—specifically in real estate portfolios—designed to increase their financial literacy and close the racial wealth gap. 

Through this initiative, Lisa aims to reduce student debt, promote homeownership, and increase financial literacy among HBCU students, ultimately empowering them to build generational wealth.

TechBridge HBCU – Enhancing the Wealth of HBCUs Through Commercialization of IP, Championed by Rodney Trapp

Rodney Trapp, Vice President for Advancement at the University of the District of Columbia Foundation, brings over 30 years of experience in education, entrepreneurship, and poverty reduction. He revitalized and led Dance Theatre of Harlem after its legendary dance company ceased operations for eight years and has worked as a fundraiser for the Robin Hood Foundation and the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering. With a background in entrepreneurship and business, he studied international business development in Valencia, Spain, and Paris, France, focusing on increasing access to resources for minority groups.

TechBridge HBCU aims to empower HBCUs by addressing financial inequities and promoting Black ownership and investment in entrepreneurship. Rodney’s solution is the creation of a dynamic support system focused on fostering commercialization and entrepreneurship from HBCU-generated intellectual property (IP) and research. This consortium will offer three core services: 

  • IP/Technology Assessment: Valuation and promotion of HBCU innovations.
  • Intellectual Property Management: Incubation, brokering, and development of IP.
  • Business Development: Fundraising, deal promotion, and management.

This initiative seeks to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and drive sustainable growth for HBCUs.  

Preparing for the Big Stage

Our 2025 HBCU Innovative Solutions Initiative finalists are now in the development phase, working closely with consulting teams to bring their ideas to life. Over the next 4-6 months, these innovators will continue to refine their concepts, preparing to showcase their work at the upcoming HBCU National Symposium in the summer. The winner will receive a $10,000 grant to continue developing their initiative, providing a significant boost to turn their vision into reality.

The 15th Annual HBCU Philanthropy Symposium

The 2025 HBCU Innovative Solutions Initiative Winner will be announced during the 15th Annual HBCU Philanthropy Symposium, set to take place July 6–10 at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL. At the symposium, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the 2025 finalists, network with industry leaders, and hear thought-provoking panel discussions. To register for the 15th Annual HBCU Philanthropy Symposium, visit the official event page.

Support Innovation in HBCU Communities

If you’d like to contribute to the HBCU Innovative Solutions Initiative and contribute to its ongoing success, PDFF invites you to join our mission by becoming a sponsor. Your support helps bring transformative ideas to life, ensuring that HBCUs continue to thrive and make a lasting impact. For more information, contact Lynn Roberts at  [email protected].