Fostering Innovation for HBCUs
The HBCU Innovative Solutions Initiative brings together HBCU thought leaders, stakeholders, and allies to identify transformative solutions to the biggest challenges facing HBCUs nationwide. This program uses our proven process to develop bold, innovative ideas and bring them to life.
In 2023, we teamed up with Delaware State University for their 13th Annual HBCU Philanthropy Symposium. We collected over 100 ideas and selected nine transformative concepts. A dedicated committee of national HBCU stakeholders chose four of these ideas to further develop over the past eight months. Through this process, we’ve identified four inspiring ideas. We encourage you to join us in turning these visions into reality.
I Love My HBCU Day of Giving is an annual fundraising and marketing campaign designed to ensure the financial sustainability and continued success of HBCUs. The idea was developed by Connie Cochran, an HBCU alum with 25 years of experience in alumni relations at Texas Southern University (TSU). Following a successful pilot campaign conducted at TSU in February 2024, a nonprofit organization has been established to launch the project nationwide in 2025.
The Strategic Industry Guidance Network for Academic Learning (SIGNAL) was developed by Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, President of Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design in Detroit, as an initiative to better prepare students with the skills, networks, and knowledge to succeed in their chosen field. SIGNAL Institute will immerse professors in industry-aligned training, providing year-round coaching and support. Beginning in the summer of 2024, Pensole is slated to welcome its first cohort of educators.
Dr. Manju Bhat, Dean of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education at Winston Salem State University, has proposed a comprehensive program to address low retention rates among pre-nursing students, particularly BIPOC and low-income students. Future Nurses seeks to create a more equitable pathway for aspiring nursing students—incorporating near-peer mentorship, targeted online modules, and improved advisory and teaching practices.
The Human Movement Institute is a groundbreaking initiative developed by Dr. Von Homer, Assistant Professor of Public & Allied Health Sciences at Delaware State University, that connects companies and business leaders with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) at HBCUs, fostering a mutually beneficial, collaborative environment. A recent pilot project with KURU Footwear demonstrated the potential of this model, providing valuable insights and recommendations for the company going forward.
Support an Idea!
The Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Consider making a tax-deductible contribution to directly benefit one or more idea. Your support will impact the success of these innovators by providing: