Empowering HBCU Students: Your Support Can Transform Lives
At HBCU Heroes, we’re committed to one mission: breaking down the financial barriers that stand in the way of success for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). These barriers are more than just challenges—they’re hurdles that can derail dreams. We’re aiming to raise $5 million by December 31, 2025, to provide scholarships and essential funding for things like laptops, emergency medical costs, food, and other critical needs. With your help, we can ensure these students don’t just get by—they excel.
The Urgency of Your Support: The Financial Struggles of HBCU Students
HBCU students are in the midst of a financial crisis that could jeopardize their entire educational journey. Without timely support, many may have no choice but to leave school. Here’s why your help is crucial:
- Heavy Reliance on Financial Aid: Over 75% of HBCU students depend on financial aid, but it’s simply not enough. Many still struggle to cover essentials like books, housing, and meals.
- High Dropout Rates: A staggering 65% of HBCU students don’t complete their degrees, often due to financial difficulties—nearly double the national average.
- Rising Textbook Costs: Textbook prices have shot up by 88% since 2014, with some books costing as much as $500. For students already on tight budgets, this is an enormous burden.
- Significant Financial Gaps: Even with financial aid, HBCU students face a $4,000-$8,000 gap in what they need to cover basic living expenses, putting their education at risk.
- First-Generation College Students: 60% of HBCU students are the first in their families to attend college, bearing the weight of this responsibility without a financial safety net.
- Balancing Work and School: 70% of these students have to work part-time or even full-time jobs just to get by, making it even harder to stay focused on their studies.
- Overwhelming Debt and Emergencies: HBCU students graduate with 32% more debt than their peers, and nearly half face financial emergencies during the school year that push them to the edge.
- Food Insecurity: 50% of HBCU students struggle with food insecurity, making it difficult to concentrate on their studies when they’re worried about their next meal.
- No Financial Cushion: 76% of HBCU students have no financial safety net, leaving them exposed to any unexpected expenses that come their way.
These students are determined to succeed, but without immediate intervention, their futures are at risk. Your contribution to the HBCU Heroes Dollars for Scholars Giving Campaign could be the lifeline they need.
The Impact of Your Donations
Your generosity directly supports HBCU students by helping them overcome financial obstacles in key areas:
- Access to Educational Materials: Your support makes textbooks and course materials more affordable.
- Technology Access: Your donations provide laptops and other essential tech tools that bridge the digital divide.
- Support for Living Expenses: Contributions help cover housing, utilities, and groceries, allowing students to focus on their studies.
- Transportation and Supplies: Your help ensures students can afford the travel and supplies they need for success.
- Health and Wellness: Donations cover unexpected medical costs and basic hygiene needs, supporting overall student well-being.
- Food Security and Academic Fees: Your contributions combat food insecurity and help alleviate the burden of unexpected fees.
- Extracurricular and Emergency Support: Your generosity enables participation in clubs and activities, and provides a financial safety net for emergencies.\
Building America’s Future
Supporting HBCU Heroes means you’re investing in the future of America. HBCUs are a driving force for entrepreneurship, producing 25% of all Black business owners, 40% of Black engineers, 50% of Black lawyers, and 80% of Black judges. Your contributions fuel this engine of success, ensuring these institutions continue to produce the leaders, innovators, and change-makers our country needs.
Be Part of the Change
By supporting HBCU Heroes, you’re helping to shape a more diverse, prosperous, and equitable America. Together, we can make a lasting impact. To contribute, visit [www.hbcuheroes.org](http://www.hbcuheroes.org). Remember, all donations are tax-deductible.
Flight Nine Academy DBA HBCU Heroes
EIN #814213776
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Donate on our website at [www.hbcuheroes.org](http://www.hbcuheroes.org) or through Paypal at Donate@hbcuheroes.com. For more information, contact traceypennywell@hbcuheroes.com.