There are many benefits of HBCUs in the larger system of higher education. HBCUs have long provided opportunities for black students that the larger system of higher education has not. It’s important that as champions of equity, we acknowledge this and support HBCUs in the innovative work they continue to do.

To appreciate HBCUs today, we must first understand the history of them. The first HBCU, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, was founded in 1837 (28 years before the 13th amendment officially abolished slavery) and is the oldest HBCU still in operation. Prior to this, Black Americans were prohibited from enrolling at existing American universities—even though several of these institutions were built, run, and funded through the labor of enslaved people.

Other HBCU institutions were founded between 1837-1964 (most of them after the abolishment of slavery) with the mission to educate Black students in subjects to help them gain employment. In addition to providing postsecondary education, some of the early HBCUs also provided primary and secondary education as racial segregation in schools would not be declared unconstitutional until Brown v. Board of Education (1954).

During this time, HBCUs grew and thrived and by 1953, over 32,000 students were enrolled in private Black institutions, and over 43,000 were enrolled in public Black institutions. These schools educated teachers, ministers, lawyers, and doctors for the Black community and contributed substantially to the progress of our nation as a whole.

HBCUs are continuing to educate students despite the nationwide decrease in college enrollment. Basic needs for students can range from tech, food, hygiene products to internet access, transportation to and from campus or job opportunities.

BestFit works to address the basic needs of marginalized students and a great example can be found in Clark Atlanta University.

Clark Atlanta University was established in 1988 as the result of Atlanta University and Clark College merging. Today, it offers over 40 areas of study as it seeks to deliver “education that is accessible, relevant, and transformative”.

True to its mission to make education accessible, CAU offers one year of Amazon Prime Student free to its students. Currently enrolled students are eligible to receive Amazon Prime Student at no cost to them, receiving access to exclusive deals, free delivery, and more.

With perks like free food delivery with GrubHub, and discounted access to services like Calm, students can worry less about basic needs and more on excelling in school. Not to mention, students can tend to their basic needs easier through Prime, such as acquiring textbooks, hygiene products, tech and more. Visit Prime Student (cau.edu) to learn more about the offer.

CONCLUSION  We would love it if you shared what you learned here with others and/or take action to support black students on their campus.

As college enrollment continues to decline nationally, HBCUs are seeing an increase. Part of this trend is undoubtedly due to the renewed calls for social justice in America. But, part of it is also the program models they have that acknowledge the first year of a student on campus as the most important one. All post-secondary institutions can learn to build a relationship and trust with a student the first year the student is on campus. College becomes hard for every student at some time, whether it’s due to academics or not having the social & financial support to stay enrolled. All of these can be addressed by instituting programs & initiatives from day one that support a student through graduation. 

If you’d like to learn more on how BestFit can help you address your campus’ basic needs, schedule a meeting with BestFit. We’d be happy to help!