The first innovation hub built for the future of HBCUs

The PROPEL Center prepares HBCU talent for the future of work, unlocking opportunities and serving as the premier platform to connect with world-class talent across the HBCU ecosystem.

Propel with us

Our Story

The concept of PROPEL was born in 2019 as a proactive solution to a growing gap between higher education and the evolving demands of the workforce—particularly within the HBCU ecosystem.

While companies increased investments in talent and workforce development, there remained no comprehensive solution connecting HBCU students to the skills, experiences, and opportunities required to compete in high-growth careers.

Our journey began with a simple but powerful vision: to create lasting prosperity and expand opportunity through transformative, future-focused education.

Envisioned as an innovation hub, PROPEL—alongside founding partners Apple and Southern Company—is committed to accelerating talent from HBCUs through hands-on learning, applied technology training, and direct pathways to industry.

To date, we’ve provided over $1 million in scholarships and $4 million 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.