UNCF and 8B Education Investments Forge Partnership to Expand HBCU Access for African Students
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and 8B Education Investments today announced a strategic partnership designed to strengthen connections between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and talented students across africa. The collaboration aims to increase access to higher education opportunities at HBCUs for African youth, fostering a diverse exchange of knowledge and talent.
This initiative arrives at a pivotal moment,as demand for higher education surges across Africa and HBCUs increasingly demonstrate their capacity to deliver remarkable educational experiences and cultivate global leaders. The partnership will leverage 8B’s fintech platform, which facilitates fair education loans for African students seeking enrollment in US and global universities, alongside UNCF’s extensive network and advocacy for HBCUs. The goal is to unlock African brilliance on a global scale and address critical skills gaps in key sectors.
UNCF, a leading organization in the advancement of educational opportunities for students of color, was founded with the belief that “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” The organization supports over 50,000 students annually and is dedicated to building a pipeline of leaders and professionals who contribute to societal progress.
8B Education Investments is pioneering a social impact fintech approach to connect Africa’s rapidly growing university-age population with global higher education. The company’s innovative lending models and partnerships aim to enable African students to enroll in institutions like HBCUs, contributing to a more diverse and globally-minded academic environment. 8B has garnered recognition from CNN International, Bloomberg, Forbes, and the Clinton Global Initiative, where it committed to a $1.116 million initiative to finance African student education in 2022.
The partnership will focus on streamlining the application and financial aid processes for African students interested in attending HBCUs, providing resources and support to navigate the US higher education system. Both organizations will work to raise awareness of the unique strengths and opportunities offered by HBCUs among prospective students and families in Africa.
Further details about UNCF can be found at UNCF.org and on Instagram @uncf. Details about 8B Education Investments are available at www.8b.africa.
