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  • Team Workshop in St. Paul
    We believe in
    Black youth
    .
    .

Bridging the Expectations Gap

Knowledge jobs are growing faster than we can fill them — and people at every level, from college interns to seasoned leaders, are feeling the strain.

Rapid technological change, rising inequality, and outdated education models have left students under-supported and employers searching for day-one-ready talent.

THE SOLUTION
We reshape the college-to-career journey
through a student-led academy co-created with industry leaders—bridging the expectations gap with real-time training and layered mentoring.

About HBCU First

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

Our national internship and mentoring academy builds college-to-career skills through our peer-to-pro network.

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

More than 80% of our students secure internships, jobs, or graduate school opportunities 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.