HBCU CARES Innovators Fellowship & Legacy Launchpad

HBCU CARES Innovators Fellowship & Legacy Launchpad is sponsored by HBCU CARES (Powered by Innovate Alabama). This is a 10-week entrepreneurship and innovation program designed to equip HBCU students with the mindset, skills, and tools to become entrepreneurs, tech leaders, and changemakers.

The program involves weekly virtual sessions, hands-on training, practical learning, one-on-one advising, and culminates in a statewide pitch competition where students compete for seed funding and launch support.

Advancing Research, Strengthening Economies, Empowering Futures Where HBCUs Lead, We Follow With Action HBCU CARES unites a coalition of Historically Black Colleges, Community Colleges, and Universities to collaboratively harness research, expertise, and programs that create meaningful economic and workforce opportunities.

By focusing on the needs of HBCUs, their students, alumni, and surrounding communities, we strive to build a sustainable and equitable future for all. Empowering Students, Strengthening Institutions, Driving Real Change.

HBCU CARES AI Student Ambassador Certificate Program Policy Pathways: HBCU Student Policy Pipeline Thrive Well: HBCU CARES Health & Wellness Fair State Agency Talent Pipeline Initiative SkillForge by HBCU CARES: Advanced Manufacturing Certificate AI Fest: Artificial Intelligence Career Exploration Series The HBCU CARES Innovators Fellowship & Legacy Launchpad.

A Flagship Talent Development Initiative Powered by Innovate Alabama Every dollar you give helps expand access to research opportunities, fund student leadership programs, support health and wellness initiatives, and strengthen the economic engines of HBCUs and their communities. Your support powers the next generation of innovators, educators, policymakers, and changemakers.

Together, we’re not just imagining a better future, we’re building it. Alabama's CHEER Act Passes the House Here's What HBCU Leaders Need to Know On March 11, 2026, the Alabama House of Representatives moved forward one of the most significant shifts in higher education funding policy the state has seen in years.

The College and Higher Education Excellence and Results (CHEER) Act House Bill 565 passed out of the House Ways and Means Education Committee as a reported substitute, and it is heading toward a full vote that every HBCU and HBCC leader in Alabama needs to be watching closely. At HBCU C. A.

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, our mission HBCU CARES is actively monitoring HB98, legislation that would establish the Alabama Law Enforcement Officers’ Family Scholarship Program.

If enacted, HB98 would: Provide tuition and related educational expense scholarships for the children and spouses of qualifying long-term law enforcement officers Allow recipients to attend public or private colleges, universities, or technical schools in Alabama Establish the Alabama Law Enforcement Officers’ Family Scholarship Fund to su HBCU CARES Launches State Agency Pipeline Initiative Mini-Grant Program to Strengthen Alabama’s Workforce HBCU CARES is proud to announce the launch of the State Agency Pipeline Initiative Mini-Grant Program, awarding over $20,000.

00 in inaugural mini-grants to five Alabama member institutions.