Last Updated on September 16, 2024
Ever thought about how studying or teaching abroad could change your life? Or what itโs like to be part of something bigger, shaping the future of not just your campus, but the entire world? Well, thatโs exactly whatโs happening at 19 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country, and itโs all thanks to the Fulbright Program.
In case youโre wondering why this matters, let me break it down: these schools, now recognized as 2024 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders, are setting the stage for the next wave of global changemakers. If youโve ever considered taking your education to the next level or simply want to broaden your worldview, keep reading. Youโll see how Fulbright is helping to make international experiences available to HBCU students and faculty.
The Real MVPs: Meet the 2024 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders
Letโs talk about this unique squad of 19 HBCUs recognized as 2024 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders. These schools, like Howard University and North Carolina A&T, are at the forefront of sending students, faculty, and recent grads abroad to study, teach, and research, and bringing international students and faculty to their campuses. But it’s more than just studying overseasโitโs about transforming lives.
Check out the graphic below to see the full list of these trailblazing schools:
Fulbright Program Advisers: The Real Plug on Campus
So, how do you get in on this? The real MVPs behind the scenes are Fulbright Program Advisers (FPAs). Think of them as your go-to guides on all things Fulbright for students who want to apply to study, teach or do research abroad after they graduate. Theyโre not just emailing out deadlinesโtheyโre laying out the game plan for your Fulbright journey. Hereโs how they help:
- Workshops & Informal Meetups: FPAs are hosting events to make Fulbright feel less like a far-off dream and more like a real possibility.
- Tailored Support: Whether youโre interested in teaching English in a remote village or doing research on cutting-edge tech, FPAs help you choose the right path.
- Connecting with Alumni: They bring in Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors to share their personal stories, so you can see firsthand whatโs possible.
- Faculty Opportunities: It’s not just for students. Faculty and administrators can get in on the action too, through Fulbrightโs Scholar Program.
From VSU to Ghana: Dr. Karl Jacksonโs Epic Journey
Dr. Karl Jackson, a chemistry professor at Virginia State University, took his Fulbright journey to Ghanaโand it was nothing short of transformative. Jackson worked on water purification research while mentoring kids through the Fafali Organization. But what really struck him? His connection with the community.
โThe community service with Fafali reminded me of the passion I once had to make a difference,โ Jackson said. His experience was so powerful that heโs now working to bring the same mentorship model back to his hometown; building on his work mentoring HBCU students in STEM fields.And as if that wasnโt enough, Jackson even found time to visit Cape Coast Castle, a historical site that deepened his personal connection to the African American experience.
Scholars in Residence: Changing the Game Beyond the Classroom
Fulbright isnโt just about sending people abroad. Thanks to the Scholar-in-Residence (SIR) program, global scholars are landing right here on HBCU campuses, making a huge impact both in and out of the classroom.
At North Carolina Central University, for example, Dr. Balasubramani Karuppusamy from India didnโt just teach geospatial technologyโhe mentored students, volunteered in the community, and even moderated a regional high school science bowl. Talk about changing the game!
The Ripple Effect: How Fulbright is Making HBCUs a Global Hub
Hereโs the best part: Fulbrightโs reach goes far beyond just a semester abroad or a classroom lecture. Itโs about building long-term, meaningful partnerships. Take Virginia State University, Morgan State University, and Xavier University of Louisiana โthanks to the Fulbright Outreach Lecturing Fund, theyโve hosted international scholars whoโve paved the way for continued collaboration with faculty long after their official visits.
HBCUs like Alcorn State University, Bennett College, Huston-Tillotson University, Jarvis Christian University, LeMoyne-Owen College, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, and Mississippi Valley State University are bringing Foreign Language Teaching Assistants to campus teach their their language and share their cultures with U.S. students and the entire community.
And these partnerships? Theyโre not just for show. Theyโre leading to groundbreaking research, expanded course offerings, and a whole new level of global engagement for HBCU campuses.
Why You Should Care (And How You Can Be Next)
By now, youโre probably thinking, โThis sounds great, but whatโs in it for me?โ Well, if youโve ever dreamed of living abroad, gaining hands-on experience in your field, or just getting a new perspective on life, Fulbright is the key. Whether you’re an undergrad, a grad student, or even a faculty member, thereโs an opportunity waiting for you.
As Dr. Jackson put it, โVisiting Africa offers a unique fulfillment for African Americans, but I believe it would be a highly valuable experience for anyone.โ And thatโs the pointโFulbright isnโt just for one type of person or one kind of experience. Itโs for anyone whoโs ready to step up and take on the world.
Ready to learn more? Visit the Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader page to explore workshops, webinars, and opportunities designed specifically for HBCUs. The worldโs waitingโand youโve got more to offer than you think.
Source: The Fulbright Program
Greetings Fam, I’m a proud Florida A&M Rattler and a second-gen HBCU grad through and through. Co-founding and steering the ship at HBCU Lifestyle is my gig, where I get to mix my love for UX design, digital marketing, and tech into something really cool for the HBCU community. Oh, and I’m also involved with my local FAMU alumni association chapter; it’s like keeping a piece of HBCU with me always. Plus, I’m in the trenches too, raising a college boundย teenager. So, I know a little something about the highs and lows of this journey. My aim? To make HBCU Lifestyle as relatable, real, and informative as it can be, all while celebrating our amazing HBCU culture and heritage.
