The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has recently signed a new consortium agreement with six historically Black colleges and universities to launch HBCUv, a digital learning community engagement platform for HBCU students, faculty, and staff. The initiative began development last summer in partnership with the Axim Collaborative.
At a recent UNCF summit, leaders from Benedict College in South Carolina, Clark Atlanta University in Georgia, Jarvis Christian University in Texas, Lane College in Tennessee, Shaw University in North Carolina, and Talladega College in Alabama became the first partners of the historic initiative.
HBCUv is designed to mirror the authentic, culturally affirming, and supportive environments found on HBCU campuses. The program provides collaborative tools for students, faculty, and staff to engage in course delivery, course sharing, social engagement, and career advancement opportunities that are unique to the HBCU experience. The initiative also includes course-design assistance for faculty members, as well as comprehensive support services for students.
While they were not a part of the consortium agreement ceremony, scholars from Claflin University in South Carolina, Dillard University in Louisiana, and Johnson C. Smith University in North Carolina were involved in creating HBCUv. The learning platform will officially launch in the upcoming fall semester, with plans to invite all HBCUs in the coming years.
