A new strategic partnership established in July 2024 between the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) at Clark Atlanta University and Harvard University is helping prepare the next generation of leaders at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Harvard hosted a group of current HBCU presidents, the ELI Presidential Fellows, at its “Harvard Seminar for New Presidents.” The seminar allows first-time college and university presidents to connect with peers and learn what opportunities and challenges to expect at their institutions. The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) Professional Education team and the Legacy of Slavery Initiative supported the seminar. This was the first time in the 35 years of the Harvard Seminar that the HBCU ELI participated.
“Although we’ve had many HBCU presidents attend the Seminar, we’ve never had a cohort of this size…” said Judith Block McLaughlin, faculty chair of the Harvard Seminar for New Presidents. “New presidents benefit from opportunities to talk with counterparts at like institutions and learn greatly from conversations with presidents of institutions different from their own.”
This critical collaboration is actively shaping the future of HBCU presidents. It includes hands-on experiences and comprehensive leadership development and decision-making training designed for today’s rapidly changing world.
The HBCU ELI offers more than just access to the Harvard Seminar. Ahead, we discuss the history and work of the HBCU ELI. We also address how philanthropist Robert F. Smith is helping HBCU students and future leaders through Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) and internXL.
What Is the HBCU ELI?
The HBCU ELI was created to train future presidents and executive leaders at over 100 HBCUs across the U.S. It teaches these future leaders many leadership skills, including:
- Managing finances
- Leading during crisis and change
- Planning for the future
- Improving HBCUs for the benefit of the students and their respective leaders
The goal is to have many qualified leaders in the pipeline. The training, mentorship and networking opportunities help prepare college leaders for the future, and the initiative helps keep HBCU institutions strong and competitive.
The HBCU ELI offers up to 30 fellowships annually. To be considered for a fellowship, applicants must have:
- 10 years of experience in higher education or a related field, with at least three years at dean-level or equivalent leadership position
- The ability to transition to senior leadership within two to three years
- Strong recommendations from current or past supervisors
- A proven track record of progressive leadership and successful performance across multiple institutional levels
Smith and His Commitment to Uplifting HBCU Students and Leaders
Smith is an avid supporter of HBCUs and their leadership. He leads programs like SFI that work directly with students at Clark Atlanta University and other HBCUs. SFI works with HBCUs, other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) to support students by reducing the burden of student loan debt and providing resources that prepare students for their futures. The aim is to create better outcomes for students who traditionally lack access to opportunities and resources.
Some of the programs SFI provides include:
- Student Investment Program (SIP)
- Internship opportunities through internXL
- Handling Everyday Life Problems For Students (HELPS) Microgrant Program
- MSI-Community Living Space Initiative (LiSI)
- Mentorship
- Academic tutoring
In addition, internXL is helping build the next generation of leaders by connecting students with internships that provide real-world job experiences. Students work with top companies and apply what they learn in their careers. internXL is supported by Fund II Foundation, of which Smith is the founding director and President.
Learn more about SFI’s impact and how it is supporting the future of HBCU, MSI and TCU students by visiting SFI’s website.
