The Columbia University School of Professional Studies has launched the HBCU Fellowship program in an effort to bridge the gap between academically exceptional HBCU graduates and Fortune 500 companies that seek to employ them. High-performing students from a network of historically Black colleges and universities will be matched with sponsor companies to receive full scholarships to Columbia’s professional master’s degree programs. Additionally, the program will offer paid summer internships, mentoring, and career counseling.
In 2017, the HBCU Fellowship will award 20 scholarships to students from the network of HBCUs who are members of program: Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Howard University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Tuskegee University, Winston-Salem State University, the University of the District of Columbia, and Xavier University of Louisiana.
Ronald Mason, Jr., president of the University of the District of Columbia, notes that “Columbia’s HBCU Fellowship presents a unique and important opportunity to close the employment gap between our students and top employers. This support for our students as they pursue their educational and career goals, and seek to make the strongest possible professional impact, means all the more to me because it comes from my alma mater.” President Mason is a graduate of Columbia University and the Columbia Law School.
Jason Wingard, dean of Columbia’s School of Professional Studies adds that “the HBCU Fellowship identifies and develops a diverse talent pool, creates a direct pipeline of market-ready students for our corporate partners, and establishes a foundation for a successful career trajectory for Fellows.”
