HBCU Courses and Culture Go Digital With eHBCU Consortium

Four colleges have teamed up to bring the educational and cultural experience of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to students everywhere. The new online portal eHBCU offers degrees and certificates, industry mentorship and virtual community, according to a news release Wednesday.

Led by Delaware State University, Southern University and A&M College, Alabama State University, and Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design, the portal offers 10 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees and 35 certification programs through institutional partners. Students can apply once through eHBCU to access programs from all four schools. Courses are flexible, with multiple start dates and fast admissions decisions, according to the eHBCU website.

While more and more students are enrolling in HBCUs in recent years, millions of Black Americans that started earning college credit stopped before they reached a degree or certificate. The eHBCU online portal aims to make HBCU education accessible to a diverse set of learners.

Programs are designed for working adults, lifelong learners and career changers, according to the news release. Many programs also focus on digital skills — like web development, cybersecurity and IT — that are growing more important in the modern workplace.

eHBCU also partners with philanthropies such as Blue Meridian and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to help break down funding barriers to education. Industry partners can work with eHBCU to provide scholarships and financial aid, guide curriculum and serve as mentors.

“Since 1837, HBCUs have served as beacons of hope and bastions of historic excellence, producing leaders, innovators, and changemakers across industries,” Terry Jeffries, assistant vice president of Delaware State University and executive director of eHBCU, said in a statement. “With eHBCU, we're extending this distinguished academic tradition into the digital future — ensuring the next generation has access to this legacy of excellence regardless of where they live.”