How UNCF’s K-12 Advocacy Team Supports Member Institutions and HBCU Excellence

An info table for K-12 Advocacy

HBCUs continue to shape the future of Black education and families benefit from the innovations happening across HBCU campuses every day. The UNCF K-12 Advocacy team helps extend that impact. The team publishes research that centers Black student and HBCU experiences, increase early exposure to HBCUs and amplify the programs and partnerships that make your institutions unique. Everything we do builds toward a stronger and more informed pipeline of future scholars.  

Creating Visibility for Your Leaders
UNCF K-12 Advocacy team regularly features HBCU presidents, faculty and program leaders in conversations that influence how the country understands Black student success. The team introduces HBCU’s expertise to individuals, who may not know the depth of innovation across the HBCU network, through panels, convenings, inspiration campus visits, and media opportunities.  

“HBCUs carry a legacy of excellence that continues to shape the future for Black students,” said Sekou Biddle,  UNCF’s Vice President for Advocacy. “We bring HBCUs, particularly our Member Institutions’ innovations and programs into K-12 spaces, strengthen connections with communities and help more families understand the impact our Member Institutions have on opportunity and success.” 

Recent examples of this work partnership include: 

  • Highlighting how HBCUs are rebuilding the Black teacher pipeline.  
  • Showcasing campus-based K-12 innovations that model belonging, rigor and cultural affirmation.  
  • Elevating institutional partnerships that are improving college readiness and early exposure to HBCUs.  

Member Institution leaders help define what college access looks like for Black students and their voices elevate HBCUs in conversations that matter.

Amplifying Campus-Based Innovations on National Platforms
HBCUs are designing programs that strengthen college readiness and create early exposure to HBCU culture. These include launching dual enrollment models, K-12 outreach efforts, bridge programs and teacher preparation programs.    

The UNCF K-12 team works to identify and showcase these innovations so districts, partners and communities can learn from HBCU leadership. Sharing these examples also helps families see HBCUs as committed, active participants in their child’s education journey long before the college-going process begins.  

Supporting Partnerships that Connect Campuses to Communities
The UNCF K-12 team collaborates with institutions that want to deepen their relationship with school districts and community organizations. These partnerships help students see college as a real option and build trust with families who may not have access to strong college guidance.  

Introducing Students to Careers in Education and Advocacy
Through the UNCF K-12 Education Fellowship, students at UNCF member institutions gain exposure to K-12 education policy, research and community engagement. These opportunities prepare future educators and leaders who understand how K-12 systems and HBCUs work together to advance Black student success.  

Research & Resources to Support Member Institutions’ Work
The K-12 Advocacy team produces research, guidance tools and resources that you can use to strengthen local partnerships or inform K-12 programming. These include materials on teacher diversity, college readiness, HBCU exposure and culturally affirming school environments.  

Check out a few of our resources: 

We Welcome Collaboration
If your institution is developing a new K-12 initiative, building a partnership with a school or leading work that deserves broader visibility, we want to hear from you. The K-12 Advocacy team is committed to lifting up your stories in our research reports or at convenings and helping more students view your school as a place they can thrive.  

For collaboration inquiries, please contact the K-12 Advocacy team at kl12@uncf.org.