Trusted by Industry Leaders
Join companies already investing in the future of work through real engagement.
Two Ways to Engage
Job Board
Discover Young, Driven Talent
Explore a growing network of early-career students and recent grads ready to intern, contribute, and grow with your company.
Upskill Board
Volunteer Your Time. Build Future Talent.
Your team can lead webinars, host resume reviews, or offer mentorship. Invest in the next generation while reinforcing your company’s leadership in community impact and recruitment.
Why Companies Work With Us
Because shaping the future workforce doesn’t have to take you out of the office.
We make it incredibly easy for companies to engage — all you need is a laptop and an hour to spare.
- Speak at virtual career-readiness events or panels — no travel required
- Volunteer for resume clinics and mock interviews — right from your desk
- Mentor students through real-world projects or coaching sessions — on your schedule, online
- Hire talent you’ve already built a relationship with — and watched grow virtually
Bonus: Our programs support key CSR and ESG priorities — including employee engagement, education equity, and community visibility.
And the impact is real: Our partners report increased employee satisfaction, stronger recruitment pipelines, and more meaningful visibility within the communities they care about.
“After one virtual session with HBCU Heroes, our volunteers felt energized — and we ended up hiring two students directly from the cohort.”
— University Relations Lead, Fortune 500 Retailer
Our Impact So Far
We’re proud of the outcomes our partners help us create — and we’re just getting started.
250,000+ students reached through trainings, mentorships, and events
20,000+ professionals engaged from Fortune 1000 companies
Over 2,000 webinars and resume bootcamps hosted
92% of participants say they feel more prepared for real-world hiring
Thousands of students hired or referred by our corporate volunteers
Meet the Founders Behind the Mission
HBCU Heroes was co-founded by Tracey Pennywell, a visionary marketing executive, and George Lynch, an NBA veteran and lifelong advocate for education equity.
Together, they saw the need to bridge the gap between high-potential talent from HBCUs and the corporate world — and they’ve built a national movement around doing exactly that.
- Tracey brings decades of experience in brand building and community engagement, with a passion for mobilizing resources at scale.
- George brings his background as a former pro athlete and coach, with deep ties to student-athlete communities and HBCU campuses nationwide.
Their shared mission: to level the playing field and help companies connect with talent they may otherwise overlook.
“We started HBCU Heroes because the future of work should be accessible to everyone — and because we know how powerful these students are when given the right platform.”
— Tracey Pennywell, Co-Founder
Talent Spotlight: Real People, Real Results
Jaylen B.
Computer Science Major
“Volunteering engineers from abc company gave me the confidence and prep I needed — and I landed my first tech internship.”
Maya C.
Business Major
“The resume bootcamp helped me tell my story better. I ended up getting three callbacks that same month.”
Featured Program
AI for Us: Learn It, Use It, Succeed With It
A practical introduction to AI for life, business, and growth — designed to empower learners of all ages and life stages with real-world knowledge they can immediately apply.
From demystifying generative AI tools to exploring how automation impacts jobs, this approachable, career-focused webinar series helps learners build confidence in one of the most in-demand fields today.
Frequently Asked Questions
HBCU Heroes supports diverse talent by connecting them with corporations through training and mentorship.
Click “Join our Network” and fill the short form to start accessing career resources.
Basic access is free for students and candidates. Corporations can contact us to explore …
HBCU Heroes offers access to internships, full-time job opportunities, virtual career fairs, mentorship programs, and industry-specific workshops across various fields including tech, finance, media, and more.
Yes! Employers can partner with HBCU Heroes to recruit top HBCU talent, sponsor events, or participate in speaking and mentorship opportunities. Visit our website’s “Partner With Us” section to learn more.
HBCU Heroes equips participants with real-world skills through hands-on training, corporate-led learning sessions, and direct mentorship — helping them become future-ready and competitive in today’s job market.
News and Blogs
Get the latest news, updates and tips
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Written By Tracey Pennywell I CEO – HBCU Heroes I DEI Strategist I Career Coach I Author...
Written By Tracey Pennywell I CEO – HBCU Heroes I DEI Strategist I Career Coach I Author...
Written By Tracey Pennywell I CEO – HBCU Heroes I DEI Strategist I Career Coach I Author...