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  • Team Workshop in St. Paul
    We believe in
    Black youth
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Bridging the Expectations Gap

The workforce is out of sync — and everyone is feeling it.

Rapid technological change, rising inequality, and outdated education models have left students under-supported and employers searching for day-one-ready talent.

Meanwhile, Gen Z expects 1-to-1 support, hands-on experience, and a sense of community.

We bridge this expectations gap through student-led, employer-powered training.

About HBCU First

HBCU First is a student-led community advancing the wellbeing and economic participation of America's youth.

As the leading HBCU internship and mentoring academy, we deliver college-to-career skills through live, employer-powered training and our national peer-to-pro network.

Each year, we help hundreds of students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) become day-one-ready professionals.

Over 80% of our students secure internships, jobs, or grad school within six months.

Our Values & Principles

The HBCU First guiding principles — Feedback, Accountability, Community, Transparency, and Service (FACTS) — shape our work and our relationships with others.

Feedback — We grow by learning how we can do better.

 

Accountability — Our actions, and inactions, impact those around us.

 

Community — We exist to support and advance America's youth.

 

Transparency — Honest, thoughtful communication drives progress.

 

Service — We lead by empowering others to move forward.

HBCU First is a student-led community advancing the wellbeing and economic participation of America’s youth.