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HBCU Leadership Academy

The HBCU Leadership Academy is a hands-on leadership development program for students ready to lead. By planning and running the HBCU Day-One-Ready Academy, students bridge the gap between learning and doing. This virtual, 10-week internship is by invitation only.

Fall 2025 Cohort (Sep 7th - Nov 22nd)

Interns gain:
• Leadership experience
• Mentoring & community
• Skill-building & networking
• Career opportunities & cash

Looking for students who:
• Have strong work ethic
• Bring a positive attitude
• Are committed to learning
• Have a heart for service


Meet our Spring 2025 Leadership Team:

  • Nekeirah Brice

    Nekeirah Brice  
    Chief of Staff
    Claflin University

  • Shanique Strickland

    Shanique Strickland  
    Professional Development Lead
    Southern University Law Center

  • La'Reaya Bailey

    La’Reaya Bailey  
    Networking Lead
    Bethune-Cookman University

  • Samya Fernandes

    Samya Fernandes  
    Accelerator Lead
    North Carolina A&T State University

  • Malikah Abdul-Wali

    Malikah Abdul-Wali  
    Data Lead
    Howard University

  • Jean Joiles

    Jean Joiles  
    Data Lead
    Howard University

  • Jayla Reese

    Jayla Reese  
    Engagement Lead
    Xavier University of Louisiana

  • Cameron Bell

    Cameron Bell  
    Mentoring Lead
    Tuskegee University

  • Amaiya Brown

    Amaiya Brown  
    Wellness Lead
    Florida A&M University

  • Katherine Metellus

    Katherine Metellus  
    Wellness Lead
    Howard University

  • Alyssa Clayton

    Alyssa Clayton  
    Social Media Lead
    Tuskegee University

HBCU First is a student-led community on a mission to advance the wellbeing and economic participation of America’s youth.

Learn more about who we are and what we believe