HBCU First

The 2024 xTechHBCU Student competition is open! Last year several HBCU First students won top prizes.

Thank you to Sharon Eliares for leading an insightful #HBCU Wealth Accelerator with U.S. Bank on financial wellness. Students said: “I learned about credit wellness—being confident in how credit works, understanding my situation, and managing debt for my financial future.” - Shaymaa Falih, North Carolina Central University "Regular and secured credit cards equally impact your credit score, and student loans have less influence on credit than I previously thought." -Janecia Stone, Southern University and A&M College- Baton Rouge "S.M.A.R.T acronym: Save for rainy days, manage your budget, access credit, reduce debt, and track online security. I'll now apply it to my lifestyle." - Kennedy Horton, Albany State University -------- Thank you Aiyana Uter of Claflin University, Arynn S. of Howard University, and Janaya Sydney of Spelman College for hosting. And thank you Valerie Davis for your continued support!

Thank you to Clint Carrens and Brighid Power, Ed.D. for leading an informative #HBCU Career Accelerator on efficient job searching with Indeed. Students said: "I appreciate how the speakers taught us to allocate time for job searching. I plan to use the provided worksheet to be more intentional with my search." - Amirah Barrett, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University "I learned the importance of transferable skills, goal setting, and using available resources in your job search." - Raya Hayes, Texas Southern University "Even without experience, I should still apply to a position and not allow doubt to scare me away because I could actually end up getting the job." - Jalen Carter, Prairie View A&M University -------- Thank you Aiyana Uter of Claflin University and Arynn S. of Howard University for hosting. And a special thanks to Matt Berndt for your continued support!

🚨 Less than a month left to apply! 🚨 HBCU First is seeking top HBCU students for our Fall 2024 Day-One-Ready Academy! 👀📍! Our skill-building, networking, community-based, PAID, 10-week internship program helps Black youth navigate the college-to-career journey! ❤️ Program Testimonials: “The program helped me to improve my networking, public speaking, and critical thinking skills through various workshops and events. I remember feeling nervous about public speaking, but through the support of my mentor and the program, I was able to gain confidence and improve my skills.” – Chinwe Uwolloh, Microsoft Intern, Philander Smith University 🔰 “The program's workshops, mentoring sessions, and networking events connected me with professionals and alumni, offering invaluable guidance and insights to navigate the challenges of my first year. Moreover, the program fostered a profound appreciation for the rich history and legacy of HBCUs, motivating me to excel academically and become an advocate for their empowerment.” – Journei Ferguson, Microsoft Intern, Spelman College🩵 Applications are open NOW! Use the link in our bio or visit hbcufirst.com to learn more information and apply! 🔗

Congratulations to the 2024 #HBCU Student Challenge with Nordstrom runner-up winners: Janaya Sydney of Spelman College, Breasia Williams of Fayetteville State University, Eniola Irinoye of Grambling State University, Makayla Whitted of North Carolina Central University, Za’Niyah Newbill of Johnson C. Smith University - JCSU, and Eniola Farinde of Grambling State University. Thank you Brittani Thomas for creating this challenge and for #mentoring and coaching our students over 6 weeks. Special thanks to Kayla Braggs — Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University graduate — for providing critical support and coaching to our students. And thank you Vicky Hidalgo for your vision and leadership.

Congratulations to the 2024 #HBCU Student Challenge with Nordstrom 2nd place winners: Imani Carter of Lincoln University, Trevor Ng’oma of Grambling State University, and Camryn Bailey of Howard University. Thank you Brittani Thomas for creating this challenge and for #mentoring and coaching our students over 6 weeks. And special thanks to Kayla Braggs — Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University graduate — for providing critical support and coaching to our students. Vicky Hidalgo, thank you for your partnership and making all of this possible.

Congratulations to the 2024 #HBCU Student Challenge with Nordstrom grand prize winners: Amaya Williams of Albany State University, Shabach Amuwah of Grambling State University, and Alyssa Clayton of Tuskegee University. Thank you Brittani Thomas for creating this challenge and for #mentoring and coaching our students over 6 weeks. Our students greatly appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the enhancement of Nordstrom's Nspire Program. And special thanks to Kayla Braggs — Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University graduate and Michigan State University grad school student — for providing critical support and coaching to our students. Vicky Hidalgo, thank you for your partnership and making all of this possible.

Thank you to Ronald Ortiz Paz, Gillian Ladd, Eylon Nakar, ASA, Tate Toole, and Daniel Odoom for leading an insightful #HBCU Career Talk with Corebridge Financial! Students said: “My biggest takeaway was to figure out what I really want to gain from an internship or job, whether it's knowledge, a full time position, or mentorship.” — Imani Carter, Lincoln University “Internships have evolved a lot over time, leaving my generation with internships that resemble an actual job more closely.” — Breasia Williams, Fayetteville State University “Navigating your career and goals can be challenging, but I was reminded you should never limit yourself because you may end up in a career that fits you, even though it is not what you planned for.” — Saniyah Bullock, Delaware State University -------- Thank you Aiyana Uter of Claflin University, Amaya Williams of Albany State University, Alyssa Clayton of Tuskegee University, and Rayven Bryant of Spelman College for hosting. And thank you Anastatia Harrison, SHRM - CP, Giana Colon, and Shanda Vangas for your continued support!

Thank you ShaVonne Cammack, Clarencia Taylor, CPA, Waltreese Carroll-Williams, and Jonathan Green for leading an engaging #HBCU Leadership Accelerator on navigating From College to Corporate! We would also like to extend our gratitude to your colleagues at Deloitte – Imani Abu-Bakir, Patrick Gant, Mary Kate E. Price, PMP SEC, Dax Craig, Tiffany Foskey-Lewis, Waymond Stewart, John H Smith III, Kelly Miller Smith, Jacinta Pope, and Alexandra Diehl – for co-leading our 5-week workshop series equipping HBCU students with leadership skills and exposure to business and #STEM career paths. Student takeaways: “Leverage diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences to thrive in the corporate environment while maintaining authenticity and resilience.” — Tamyiah Nielsen, Texas Southern University “I learned the importance of utilizing the resources at your HBCU. Everyone is capable of being very successful; you just have to pay attention to the opportunities around you.” — Destiny Gilliard, Fayetteville State University “I will become well-read, traveled, spoken, balanced, and well-dressed to elevate myself professionally.” – Trevor Ng’oma, Grambling State University -------- Thank you Alyssa Clayton of Tuskegee University, Amaya Williams of Albany State University, and Rayven Bryant of Spelman College for hosting. And special thanks to Derrick Tinsley for creating and supporting the Deloitte x HBCU First partnership!

Thank you to Brittani Thomas of Nordstrom for leading an insightful #HBCU Communication Accelerator on Interview Prep! Our students said: “My biggest takeaway was learning that about 93% of communication is nonverbal and have to put in more work in that aspect if I want to have successful interviews.” – Eyimofe Ajagunna, Mississippi Valley State University “As someone who rambles in interviews, learning the STAR method will be helpful to keep my responses clear and concise as I interview for jobs post-graduation.” – Breasia Williams, Fayetteville State University “My biggest takeaway from today's workshop is to practice for interviews. A lot of times I think that I can just come in without practicing, but I can be more successful and feel more comfortable with more practice.” – Camryn Bailey, Howard University -------- Thank you Alyssa Clayton of Tuskegee University, Amaya Williams of Albany State University, and Rayven Bryant of Spelman College for hosting. And thank you Vicky Hidalgo for your continued support!