Scholars in grades 3 through 8 recently had the special opportunity to connect virtually with friends of Link and staff members who proudly attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). During these engaging online visits, our guests shared the rich history of their institutions, where they are located, and the wide range of courses and academic programs they offer. They also spoke personally about their own college journeys—how they chose their schools, the challenges they navigated, the communities they built, and how their HBCU experiences prepared them for their careers and futures.
Learning about HBCUs is important because these institutions have played a vital role in expanding access to higher education and creating opportunities for generations of students. Founded during times when Black students were denied admission to many colleges and universities, HBCUs became powerful centers of academic excellence, leadership, culture, and community. They continue to produce leaders in education, medicine, law, business, the arts, and public service.
For our scholars, exposure to HBCUs at an early age broadens their understanding of college possibilities and helps them see themselves as future college students. It reinforces the message that higher education is attainable and that there are institutions where culture, identity, and academic achievement are celebrated together. Experiences like this plant seeds—building awareness, pride, and aspiration for the journeys ahead.
