Our Story

The concept of PROPEL was born in 2019 as a proactive solution for systemic barriers impacting HBCUs. As the United States wrestled yet again with the turmoil of social injustice and historical inequalities, companies reacted by investing in equity approaches. Yet, there was still no comprehensive solution for workforce disparities.

Our journey began with a simple yet profound vision: To create enduring prosperity and improve lives through transformative educational approaches.

Envisioned as an innovation hub that upskills and catapults Black talent from the HBCU ecosystem, PROPEL and founding partners Apple and Southern Company are committed to fostering a new generation of Black leaders via programming and workforce development.
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To date, we've provided over 1 million dollars in scholarships and 4 million dollars in institutional grants. In an ever-changing world, PROPEL prepares HBCU talent for the future of work, today.

How We PROPEL

Accelerating innovation for all HBCUs.

With a cutting-edge virtual and physical learning center, PROPEL moves at the speed of technology to offer HBCU students the training they need to be leaders in the future workforce.

Cultivating tomorrow’s change-makers today.

PROPEL offers HBCU students comprehensive training and tools to catalyze their growth as creative, justice-minded leaders – who are fully equipped to change the world.

Connecting HBCUs with new opportunities.

PROPEL is the central hub to connect industry with the nation’s HBCU students. We partner with companies to offer programming and work-based learning experiences that prepare students for lasting success.

Our Mission and Vision

To advance economic equity by developing future-ready learners and connecting them to a global workforce.
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The premier learning hub that bridges talent and industry for boundless economic opportunity.

Our Journey

January 2021

Founded

Launch of PROPEL initiative with Founding Partners Apple & SOCO.

December 2021

Awarded Industry Impact Grants

PROPEL awarded $3M in 15 Industry Impact Grants to HBCUs.

February 2022

Launch Program with Apple

Launch of Beats Campaign & Ambassadors program with Apple.

March 2022

Awarded $1M in Student Scholarships

PROPEL awarded scholarships in entrepreneurship, agritech, social justice, A&E, and energy.

Summer 2022

Arts & Entertainment

PROPEL launches Arts & Entertainment Accelerator. Collaboration begins with Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation Foundation Scholarship fund for HBCU students. Partnerships secured with Disney.

August 2022

PROPEL Center Site

Announcement of location of the future PROPEL Center site at CAU.

August 2023

PROPEL Learn App Launches

Virtual classes connect all 107 HBCU’s. Providing access to the nation’s most respected faculty in higher education and the world’s most influential business minds across industries.

September 2023

New President: Lisa Herring

Announcement of Dr. Lisa Herring as new PROPEL Center President.