The National HBCU Leadership Summit, led by the HBCU Program, provides a leadership development and advocacy training program that empowers LGBTQ+ HBCU students to act as change-agents on their campuses and in their communities while leading resourcefully through the intersections of race, religion, gender identity, class, and sexual orientation.

This national summit is the only convening for LGBTQ+ HBCU students and fosters an environment where students can be affirmed in all of their identities, specifically the intersection of being Black and LGBTQ+. These summits will provide a transformative experience and build a collective of HBCU LGBTQ+ student activists dedicated to equity, inclusion and justice on their respective campuses and in the community.

Applications are now closed!

Come back for the next round of applications in 2024.


Learning Outcomes

  • Develop leadership skills influencing communication, accountability and initiative
  • Expand comprehension surrounding your identities and how they intersect with injustice and oppressive structures
  • Increase network of student leaders across the nation, eager to collaborate toward institutional advancement
  • Organize vision of activism rooted in liberatory praxis, altruism and resilience
  • Redefine approaches to inclusion initiatives leading to structural/organizational transformation

Who is Eligible to Apply?

  • Rising undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors who identify as LGBTQ+ and are currently enrolled at an HBCU are eligible to apply

  • Each candidate may only submit one application

  • Eligible candidates must provide their resume with a current GPA, and a high resolution headshot.

  • Must be a change agent who seeks to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ folks.

  • Must be willing to complete a capstone project.

  • For selected candidates, the HRC HBCU program will cover travel expenses, accommodations, and all meals to/from our Washington, DC office.

Follow Stories on the Summit

Leading the Way: Two HBCU Student Leaders Share their Stories

Hear from PrEP Ambassadors Erica and Laten as they recount their accomplishments during the National HBCU Leadership Summit.

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HBCU #OutLoudDay

HRC Foundation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Program established HBCU OUTLOUD Day, a day for HBCU students, administrators, faculty, and staff to reaffirm their commitment to LGBTQ+ equality.

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The Human Rights Campaign reports on news, events and resources of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation that are of interest to the general public and further our common mission to support the LGBTQ+ community.

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