Fellowship Incentives
Each fellow selected for the program receives real support to help bring their vision to life:
$250 Stipend
for your commitment and participation
Free iPad to Keep
your digital toolkit for learning and building
Community of Innovators
connect with peers and mentors who share your drive
Pitch Competition Prizes
win up to $10,000 in seed funding to launch your venture
MEET THE Mentors
Behind every great innovator is someone who believed in their vision first.
Our mentors are entrepreneurs, business leaders, and changemakers who bring real-world experience and a commitment to lifting up the next generation of HBCU founders.
These are the people who will challenge you, support you, and open doors to help your ideas grow.
First Name, Last Name
Position/Title, Business
First Name, Last Name
Position/Title, Business
First Name, Last Name
Position/Title, Business
First Name, Last Name
Position/Title, Business
First Name, Last Name
Position/Title, Business
First Name, Last Name
Position/Title, Business
This Program Is For You If...
You’re Ready To Build, Lead, and Launch Something That Matters.
Turn Your Ideas Into Action
This fellowship helps you take that idea off the notes app and turn it into something real, with mentors and tools to guide you every step of the way.
Gain Access to Mentorship & Opportunity
You’ll get access to leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts who’ve been where you’re headed and who actually want to see you win.
Build a Brand with Purpose
Learn how to turn your skills, culture, and creativity into a brand that reflects who you are and what you stand for.
Join a Community That Inspires
Connect with other innovators from HBCUs. Share ideas, grow together, and create lasting impact that reaches beyond your campus.
01
Mindset & Vision
Understand what it means to think like an entrepreneur and identify real opportunities.
02
Business & Strategy
Develop your model, define your audience, and plan for sustainable growth.
03
Branding & Storytelling
Craft your message, shape your identity, and make your idea stand out.
04
Funding & Finance
Learn how to price, pitch, and secure the resources you need to grow.
05
Launch & Leadership
Pitch your idea and step confidently into leadership.
The HBCU CARES Innovators Fellowship & Legacy Launchpad is a 10-week entrepreneurship and innovation program designed to equip HBCU students with the mindset, skills, and tools needed to become bold entrepreneurs, tech leaders, and changemakers.
Over the course of 10 weeks, fellows will participate in weekly virtual sessions focused on entrepreneurial mindset, business development, financial literacy, branding, technology, and innovation. Through hands-on training, practical learning, and one-on-one advising, students will accelerate their ideas into viable ventures — culminating in a statewide pitch competition where they will compete for seed funding and launch support.