The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is partnering with the Axim Collaborative to develop HBCU Virtual, or HBCUv, a new platform to expand digital learning and equitable access to education for historically Black colleges and universities.
Axim Collaborative is a nonprofit organization – a joint endeavor of Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology – dedicated to fostering inclusive learning in support of strong student outcomes. HBCUv is an online platform that will expand Black college education, enhance online learning, promote inclusivity and ensure equitable access to education for all HBCUs nationwide
Axim Collaborative will contribute experience in the field of blended online education to the initiative, in addition to financial support. The partnership with Harvard will focus on developing a robust instructional design framework, establishing a repository of culturally responsive course resources, and leveraging existing knowledge, expertise, and digital learning assets that exist at Harvard and MIT. Their collective contributions – working closely with UNCF and partnering HBCUs – will shape the strategic direction and innovative approaches employed by the HBCUv team to support faculty in enhancing student success. The HBCUs participating in the project are Benedict College, Clark Atlanta University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lane College, Claflin University, Dillard University, Talladega College, Shaw University, and Jarvis Christian University.
“We are honored to partner with UNCF and the nine partnering HBCUs in shaping the future of education through HBCUv. Together we will drive innovation, foster inclusivity and empower historically Black colleges and universities to lead in the digital era, ensuring that students have equitable access to transformative learning experiences. I cannot think of a better inaugural project to invest in as we pursue Axim’s mission to elevate the playing field for students everywhere so they can realize their full education and career potential,” said Stephanie Khurana, CEO of Axim Collaborative.
Thank you
Why do HBCUs feel obligated to partner up with these HWCUs in many cases those institutions will be the ones who benefit the most in all aspects. In other words, HBCUs need to do certain initiatives all by themselves in order to avoid any HWCUs incrementally becoming the intellectual custodian of this work.