Education Reform
Read the latest news about Robert F. Smith’s philanthropy as well as events and news concerning his thought leadership, philanthropic partners and charitable initiatives.

eHBCU Digital Portal Expands Access to Education for Students
Supported by a consortium of HBCUs, eHBCU offers online access to educational opportunities, including undergraduate, graduate and professional certifications.

eHBCU Digital Portal Expands Access to Education for Students
Supported by a consortium of HBCUs, eHBCU offers online access to educational opportunities, including undergraduate, graduate and professional certifications.

Fayetteville State University Receives an Anonymous Donation to Support Free Summer School Program
In 2024, Fayetteville State University received an anonymous donation of $750,000 for the university’s 30-60-90 Graduate on Time Initiative.

Dr. Mark A. Brown Becomes Tuskegee University’s 10th President
Tuskegee University has appointed its 10th President, Dr. Mark A. Brown. Dr. Brown has extensive experience in education and previously served as the President and CEO of Student Freedom Initiative (SFI).

Student Freedom Initiative’s Expansion Into TCUs Helps Underserved Native American Students
Student Freedom Initiative has expanded into TCUs to help even more often underserved and underrepresented students. Learn more.

Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture Receives Donation From Autodesk
Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture received an unrestricted $5 million donation from Autodesk Inc.

NASA’s Data Science Equity, Access and Priority (DEAP) Opportunity Funds Eight HBCU Programs
In 2023, NASA selected eight HBCUs to receive funding through their Data Science Equity, Access and Priority (DEAP) opportunity.

Dr. Ruth Gottesman’s Gift Makes Tuition Free for Albert Einstein College of Medicine Students
In early 2024, Dr. Ruth Gottesman made one of the largest contributions to a medical school in recent history when she donated $1 billion to the Einstein College of Medicine to establish the David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Scholarship Fund.

Fayetteville State University Receives an Anonymous Donation to Support Free Summer School Program
In 2024, Fayetteville State University received an anonymous donation of $750,000 for the university’s 30-60-90 Graduate on Time Initiative.

Dr. Mark A. Brown Becomes Tuskegee University’s 10th President
Tuskegee University has appointed its 10th President, Dr. Mark A. Brown. Dr. Brown has extensive experience in education and previously served as the President and CEO of Student Freedom Initiative (SFI).

Student Freedom Initiative’s Expansion Into TCUs Helps Underserved Native American Students
Student Freedom Initiative has expanded into TCUs to help even more often underserved and underrepresented students. Learn more.

Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture Receives Donation From Autodesk
Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture received an unrestricted $5 million donation from Autodesk Inc.

NASA’s Data Science Equity, Access and Priority (DEAP) Opportunity Funds Eight HBCU Programs
In 2023, NASA selected eight HBCUs to receive funding through their Data Science Equity, Access and Priority (DEAP) opportunity.

Dr. Ruth Gottesman’s Gift Makes Tuition Free for Albert Einstein College of Medicine Students
In early 2024, Dr. Ruth Gottesman made one of the largest contributions to a medical school in recent history when she donated $1 billion to the Einstein College of Medicine to establish the David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Scholarship Fund.