Using technology to create and expand educational pathways with technology is a key priority of education reform. In 2025, a consortium of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) launched eHBCU. This digital initiative offers undergraduate, graduate and certification programs for students seeking flexible and high-quality learning opportunities through HBCUs at any point in their educational journeys.
About eHBCU
The mission of eHBCU centers on providing versatile, career-oriented educational opportunities that empower learners to thrive intellectually, culturally and professionally. Using a digital platform supported by a consortium of HBCUs, eHBCU expands digital access to education. The organization offers flexible, career-focused programming developed by HBCUs covering a variety of sectors, including business, creative, education, healthcare, arts and STEM.
HBCU school partners include:
- Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design
- Delaware State University
- Southern University and A&M College (Baton Rouge, LA)
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Southern University at Shreveport (LA)
- Alabama State University
Through eHBCU, students can obtain degrees and certifications, explore mentorship opportunities and gain access to online career pipelines. The digital portal is designed to help learners in different stages, including:
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- Adults continuing their education
- Professionals changing careers
- Professionals seeking certificates
By offering a broad range of dynamic, affordable programs to students, eHBCU expands the educational and professional opportunities available to millions of people, ultimately increasing economic mobility and accelerating career progression.
Other Ways to Create Access to Education for HBCU Students
Education reform is one of the pillars of Robert F. Smith’s philanthropy. In 2019, Smith paid $34 million to eliminate the student loan debt of the entire Morehouse College graduating class. He later expanded the commitment to include the debt incurred by their parents and guardians.
Today, Smith continues his legacy of supporting students through his involvement with organizations and institutions of higher learning, including:
- Student Freedom Initiative (SFI): Smith is the Chairman of SFI, which provides academic, professional and financial resources for students attending HBCUs, Tribal colleges and Universities (TCUs) and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).
- internXL: Through his support of internXL, Smith is helping students use technology to navigate the internship matching process.
- Cornell University: Cornell renamed its School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering the Robert Frederick Smith School in honor of his support.
- Columbia University: Smith sits on the Board of Overseers of Columbia Business School and is a Member of the Cornell Engineering College Council. He also supports the “Smith Scholars at Columbia Business School, students pursuing their MBAs who studied at HBCUs or otherwise have overcome challenges in their academic pursuits.
Smith was awarded the 2023 HBCU Impact Award for his efforts to address affordability in higher education. Learn more about how Smith supports education reform with his philanthropy on YouTube and LinkedIn.