Building Bridges Education presents
The Leading AI Agent for HBCU Discovery, College Access, and Student Success.
Helping students, families, and educators discover HBCUs, navigate admissions, and unlock opportunities.
A message from Dr. Lezama
Welcome to Dr. HBCU, an AI-powered platform from Building Bridges Education designed to open doors, spark discovery, and connect more students to the rich legacy and possibilities of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
We created Dr. HBCU to address two gaps: exposure and visibility. All six New England states are among the 31 states without an HBCU, limiting opportunities for students to discover these institutions through their schools and communities. Today, that gap can follow students online, where access to accurate, accessible information is essential to exploring college options with confidence.
Dr. HBCU is part of our commitment to changing that. By bringing HBCU knowledge and resources within reach, we aim to broaden perspectives, inspire possibility, and help students envision futures they may not have known were possible.
Ask questions. Explore institutions. Discover new pathways.
Our impact by the numbers
Explore the HBCU map
Tap any state to see its HBCUs, from Alabama to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Save the date
October 12–15, 2027
It's that time of year
Bands, step shows, tailgates, and alumni coming home. Ask Dr. HBCU what makes homecoming an experience like no other.
What would you like to explore today? Select an option below to begin your personalized HBCU experience.
Explore HBCUs, sign up for tours and events, and apply for scholarships with Dr. HBCU by your side.
Get clear answers about cost, safety, and campus life, and stay in the loop on family events.
Bring HBCU workshops, college tours, and Dr. HBCU into your school and advising.
Meet motivated New England students and families at fairs, visits, and virtual sessions.
Community groups, companies, and funders: help us build bridges for students across the region.
HBCU alumni chapters and Divine Nine chapters: add your chapter and share events and programs with students.
What's happening
OUR PARTNER IN RESEARCH
A report by the Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, in partnership with Gallup · July 2026The Lasting Value and Impact of an HBCU Education · 1,296 recent alumni from 39 HBCUs, from the nation's largest study of HBCU alumni
Source: Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and Gallup, Proof of Promise (July 2026).
Newsroom
How Building Bridges Education is bringing HBCUs to students across New England.
READ THE PRESS RELEASE ↗A look back at HBCU Week 2026 and the students it connected to college.
READ THE PRESS RELEASE ↗Media inquiries: info@buildingbridgeseducation.com
Follow the journey
Event photos, student wins, and HBCU news, all on Instagram.
Voices of the HBCU family
Are you an HBCU graduate? Share your HBCU story and inspire the next generation.
Ask me anything about HBCUs.
History, schools, admissions, scholarships, and events. I'll answer, then take you straight to the right sign-up when you're ready.
Academic excellence
The numbers behind the legacy. Tap any stat to ask Dr. HBCU what it means for you.
of all Black college graduates come from HBCUs, which are just 3% of U.S. colleges
of STEM bachelor's degrees earned by Black students come from HBCUs, almost one in five
of Black judges are HBCU graduates
of Black doctors and lawyers are HBCU graduates
of Black engineers and Black members of Congress are HBCU graduates
in projected lifetime earnings of HBCU graduates
Source: UNCF, 2025 Impact Report, citing the 2024 HBCU Economic Impact Report, Transforming Futures: The Economic Engine of HBCUs.
My Dr. HBCU
Everything you save, in one place.
HBCU map
Tap a state to see the HBCUs located there, then ask Dr. HBCU about any school that catches your eye.
Includes 102 HBCUs from the Building Bridges Education list. Schools within a parent institution are listed under that institution.
Take a closer look at programs, locations, and strengths. Tap a snapshot to see it up close, or visit the college website.
Montgomery, AL
Nearly 50 programs; known for theatre, plus biomedical engineering, prosthetics and orthotics, and Air Force ROTC.
Daytona Beach, FL
Colleges spanning business and entrepreneurship, nursing and health sciences, education, and more, plus hospitality management.
Bowie, MD
75 academic programs, including AI, cybersecurity, data science, animation, and fashion design.
Cheyney, PA
The nation's oldest HBCU, focused on liberal arts and professional studies at the undergraduate level.
Orangeburg, SC
40+ undergraduate programs with strong STEM options and an ACBSP-accredited School of Business.
Atlanta, GA
50+ majors and minors, dual-degree engineering, and an AACSB-accredited School of Business since 1974.
Baltimore, MD
63 areas of study, with pre-med, pre-pharmacy, and nursing pathways plus cybersecurity and data science.
Dover, DE
60+ academic paths across four colleges, from nursing and kinesiology to neuroscience and data science/AI.
Tallahassee, FL
Agriculture, architecture, engineering, journalism, nursing, pharmacy, and law, plus strong research opportunities.
Grambling, LA
Computer science, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, plus a legendary marching band and NCAA athletics.
Hampton, VA
80+ programs, from engineering and aviation to journalism, nursing, and marine science.
Washington, DC
An R1 research university with 120+ degree programs across 14 schools and colleges.
Austin, TX
Pre-med biology, business, computer science, communication, and music in the heart of Austin.
Salisbury, NC
15 B.A. and six B.S. programs, a B.S.W., an MBA, and associate degrees including culinary arts.
Atlanta, GA
The only private, historically Black, all-male liberal arts college, with 33 majors and dual-degree engineering.
Baltimore, MD
A public urban research university with programs from actuarial science and AI to architecture and animation.
Norfolk, VA
31 bachelor's, 15 master's, and three doctoral programs, including computer engineering technology and nursing.
Greensboro, NC
58 undergraduate degrees and standout engineering, agriculture, AI, and the first AACSB-accredited HBCU accounting program.
Prairie View, TX
38 undergraduate and 31 graduate degrees, with five engineering disciplines, architecture, and nursing.
Atlanta, GA
A historically Black liberal arts college for women, strong in STEM, with dual-degree engineering and G-STEM.
Tuskegee, AL
60+ programs, including aerospace engineering, aviation science, and a College of Veterinary Medicine.
New Orleans, LA
The only historically Black Catholic university in the U.S., a leader in STEM, pharmacy, and medical school placement.
See all HBCUs that participated in the 2026 Building Bridges HBCU Fair, with snapshots for each school, in the Fair Day Guide.
Our impact
From 7th grade through college degree, Building Bridges Education moves students from college-ready to college-proven. Here is what that looks like by the numbers.
Since our founding
The College Proven Program
College Proven is our signature, identity-centered pathway supporting students from 7th grade through high school, college enrollment, persistence, and degree attainment. It combines early college exposure, academic preparation, individualized coaching, college and career exploration, financial aid and scholarship guidance, family engagement, and ongoing postsecondary advising.
College Summer Institute
In partnership with The Calculus Project, rising juniors take a credit-bearing college course, Intro to Statistics with R, at no cost to their families, with academic support every step of the way.
2026 grade distribution
57% earned an A or A-. 21 of 23 students earned 4 college credits each, 84 credits in all.
In our students' words
“I really enjoyed meeting new people and finding out I loved Stats!”
“I am proud of myself. I learned how to code using Rscript.”
“I loved being able to apply concepts you’ve learned in under a short period of time.”
Savings estimated at $1,496 per credit hour (average private four-year university rate, National Center for Education Statistics), 4 credits per course.
2027 Giving Campaign · Building Bridges HBCU Program
Every gift brings HBCUs to more New England students, supports our HBCU partners, and powers year-round programs like the College Proven Program, the HBCU Policy Fellowship, and our new high school Building Bridges Internship Program.
Give today
Every gift, of any size, helps a student discover an HBCU and take the next step toward college. Choose an amount and tell us how you'd like to give, and our team will follow up to complete your gift.
Bring HBCUs to New England students through the HBCU Roadshow and the HBCU Fair & Interview Day.
Expand our impact and college readiness work, supporting students from 7th grade through college degree attainment.
Power the HBCU Policy Fellowship, our new Building Bridges Internship Program, and Dr. HBCU.
Signature events · October 12–15, 2027
Tap an event to select it.
Year-round partnership · Invest in everything we do
General operating support that powers all of our programming, from the HBCU Program to the HBCU Fellowship and our new high school Building Bridges Internship Program.
Each level is general operating support that powers the HBCU Program, the HBCU Policy Fellowship, College Proven, the Building Bridges Internship Program, and Dr. HBCU.
Share your interest and our team will follow up to confirm your commitment, recognition, and speaking opportunity.
Partner with Building Bridges Education
Schools, community organizations, colleges, and companies partner with us to bring HBCUs to New England students and open doors to college and careers.
Our partners
We're proud to work alongside organizations that share our commitment to HBCU access.
Expanding college access and scholarships for students attending HBCUs and beyond.
VISIT WEBSITE ↗The research partner behind Proof of Promise, the landmark study of HBCU graduate outcomes.
VISIT WEBSITE ↗
Our partner in the HBCU Policy Fellowship, advancing college affordability and access.
VISIT WEBSITE ↗
Promoting the healthy development of children and families.
VISIT WEBSITE ↗
An education partner preparing students to thrive in advanced mathematics.
VISIT WEBSITE ↗Welcome to the 2026 HBCU Summit
A note from Dr. Lezama
We are looking forward to bringing together HBCU leaders, higher education professionals, educators, counselors, community partners, and other stakeholders for a day focused on strengthening HBCU access, expanding pathways, and building partnerships that create lasting impact for students and communities. Thank you for being part of this year's Summit, an important and impactful day of conversation, connection, and collaboration.
Dr. Lezama · Building Bridges Education
Harvard Kennedy School security rules apply to everyone and can't be waived by Building Bridges Education.
Harvard policy doesn't allow signage outside the building, so look for BBE staff.
Morning: 7:15 AM pick-up in the lobby of the Hilton Garden Inn Brookline/Boston.
Return: 3:00 PM pick-up at Harvard Kennedy School, back to the hotel.
Parking fees are the participant's responsibility; BBE can't offer parking waivers.
The Punch Bowl at the Hilton Garden Inn Brookline/Boston
2026 Building Bridges HBCU Program
When dreams become reality ✨🎓
Sometimes, one opportunity can change a student's future.
Amir, a METCO graduate, attended the Building Bridges Education HBCU Fair last year and received on-the-spot acceptances from several colleges and universities. He enrolled at Xavier University of Louisiana and, within his first few months on campus, was named Mr. Freshman of the Year.
Amir's story shows the power of access, exposure, and opportunity. This is about more than a college fair. It's about opening doors and changing lives.
Amir's journey is just one story. Who will be next?
Every school is assigned a session. Tap yours to see your arrival plan.
Check things off as you go. Your progress saves on this device.
Missing something? BBE will do its best to help, but you may lose your chance at an on-site interview or admissions consideration.
SENIORS ONLY No pre-registration needed. Interviews are first come, first served.
Meet HBCU representatives and interview on site.
Arrived early? You'll start here while you wait for your session.
U.S. News & World Report's 2027 HBCU rankings are out, and 10 of the highest-ranked institutions will be at this year's fair. Tap any school to learn more.
In partnership with the Office of College, Career & Life Readiness at Boston Public Schools, connecting students with employers, professionals, and organizations across industries.
Yes. Every student must register individually before attending and bring their own QR code for check-in.
No. Interviews are for seniors, first come, first served, with no pre-registration. Check in with a BBE volunteer, then join the interview line for the HBCU you want.
No. Not every participating HBCU will hold on-site interviews. The list of interviewing schools will be shared before the fair, and it may change on the day, so check with a BBE volunteer when you arrive.
Some students are. But on-site admission is not guaranteed, an interview doesn't guarantee admission, and each HBCU sets its own process and decisions.
BBE will do its best to help, but you may lose your chance at an on-site interview or admissions consideration. Bring everything you can.
Students who arrive before their HBCU Fair session are directed to the Career & Pathways Expo until their session opens. Second-session students can't enter before 11:30 AM unless arranged in advance.
About Dr. HBCU
AI is shaping how students discover colleges, yet HBCUs too often go missing from its answers. Dr. HBCU brings their history, culture, programs, and opportunities into one trusted place, and gives AI platforms the accurate HBCU information they need.
Two gaps keep New England students from finding HBCUs. Dr. HBCU is built to close both.
Thirty-one states, including all six in New England, have no HBCU. Researchers define education deserts as places with no college nearby, or only a single community college. We call communities without an HBCU nearby HBCU deserts. There, the knowledge that travels through family, schools, alumni, and community in HBCU-dense regions rarely arrives, and that exposure gap shapes which colleges students discover, consider, and come to see as possible.
Nearly half of Gen Z now uses AI chatbots in the college search. For a student with no HBCU connection in their school or community, AI may be the first place they encounter HBCUs. But AI can only reflect the information available to it, and when accurate, authoritative HBCU content is limited, the gap students face at home follows them online.
Sources: National Center for Education Statistics (HBCUs are located in 19 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands); Hillman & Weichman, Education Deserts: The Continued Significance of "Place" in the Twenty-First Century (American Council on Education, 2016); EDUCAUSE (2025), as cited in Whole Whale, The AI College Recommendation Bias Report (2026).
See the opt-in gap
Tap a question students ask every day.
“What are the best colleges?”
HBCUs often don't appear unless a student already knows to ask for them.
“What are the best colleges?”
Ask AI for the "best colleges," and you often get the most visible names, the highest-ranked institutions, the schools with the largest endowments, and those with the greatest institutional recognition. Dr. HBCU starts with a student-centered approach, considering their goals, interests, aspirations, circumstances, and identity to present a broader range of colleges, including HBCUs that traditional rankings and searches might otherwise overlook.
Source: Whole Whale, The AI College Recommendation Bias Report (April 2026), a test of five major AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, and Perplexity) across 15 prompts and 5 student personas; Gen Z usage from EDUCAUSE (2025).
We ran controlled searches across ChatGPT, Gemini, and other leading AI platforms using synthetic student profiles with comparable qualifications, changing only where they live, family income, interests, or intended major.
If two equally qualified pre-med students, one in Worcester and one in Atlanta, ask AI for colleges that fit, do HBCUs appear for both? Which ones, and how prominently?
No real students and no student data, just controlled, repeatable searches.
HBCUs are a missing link in the AI-driven college search. That finding is shaping Dr. HBCU.
Our audit points to an opt-in visibility problem: HBCUs often surface when students already know to ask for them. When AI recommends colleges based on students' interests, academic goals, or career aspirations, HBCUs may be overlooked.
When HBCUs are missing from AI recommendations, students may miss valuable programs, scholarships, mentorship, and career pathways.
Students with limited exposure to HBCUs may never know to ask, reinforcing existing gaps in college access and awareness.
Their visibility should reflect the quality, diversity, and opportunity they offer, not whether students already know they exist.
Dr. HBCU closes this discovery gap, helping students, families, and educators explore HBCUs based on their interests, goals, and potential, not just what they already know to ask.
BBE Fellowship Program
The Building Bridges Education HBCU Fellowship Program, in partnership with uAspire, places the lived experiences of students at the heart of Massachusetts education policy, and works to bring the legacy and transformative power of HBCUs to the state.
Fellowship applications open in March 2027. Sign up for Dr. HBCU now to be the first to know when they open.
2026 HBCU POLICY FELLOWSThree goals hold up everything our fellows do. Tap a pillar to see it in action.
Six ways fellows turn research into real change. Tap any card to flip it.
What they said about the fellowship
This fellowship has broadened my perspective on the underrepresentation of HBCUs in Massachusetts. Being part of this initiative has strengthened my commitment to addressing this important issue. It is encouraging to work alongside others who recognize this challenge and are dedicated to creating meaningful change.
Mizani BenjaminHBCU Policy FellowDuring the course of this fellowship, I have not only gained insight into the problems facing students but have also come up with recommendations that could make paths towards making higher education more accessible to all.
Leah PiresHBCU Policy FellowI am grateful to have had the opportunity to apply my knowledge and lived experience to the work I did in the HBCU policy fellowship. The research I’ve done has been meaningful, deepening my understanding of representation for minority students, and more importantly giving me an outlet to create change for underrepresented students.
Jolana ThirkillHBCU Policy FellowApplications for the next class of HBCU Policy Fellows open in March 2027. Sign up for Dr. HBCU as a student so you are ready to apply.
College tours, HBCU fairs, workshops, and virtual sessions from Building Bridges Education. Sign up once, then save your spot at any event with one click.
HBCU alumni chapters and Divine Nine chapters in Boston and beyond, sharing programs, events, and mentorship.
HBCU Week 2026 recap
Thank you to every student, family, educator, counselor, school, and HBCU that made HBCU Week 2026 our biggest yet.
An HBCU education is within reach. Explore scholarships, see how aid lowers what you pay, and take the steps that open doors.
Building Bridges Education Interview Day
At the HBCU Fair & Interview Day, Building Bridges Education helps facilitate face-to-face admissions interviews between students and HBCU representatives. These conversations often lead to scholarship offers, turning a single afternoon into a real step toward a lower tuition bill.
Bring your transcript, a résumé, and thoughtful questions. Dress as you would for an interview, because it is one.
Example numbers are filled in. Replace them with the amounts from your school's cost of attendance and your financial aid offer.
Scholarships and grants don't need to be repaid. Loans do, so they aren't counted here.
Check off each step as you go. Your progress stays on this device.
Find Your Path
14 quick taps, about two minutes. For students, families, and educators. Dr. HBCU will match you with schools that fit your goals and your vibe.
Free sign-up · About two minutes
Create your free profile to save your spot at events, apply for scholarships, and get guidance from Dr. HBCU made for you.
Post upcoming events, programs, and homecoming gatherings. BBE reviews each one before it appears on the Events page.
Only Building Bridges Education staff see this page. Manage events and scholarships, and review everyone who has joined.
| Name | Type | Email and phone | School or organization | Location | Details | Events | Applications |
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Add the latest report's title, link, summary, and key findings. They appear in the research partnership section on the home page, and Dr. HBCU can share them.
Review chapters and chapter events before they appear publicly on Dr. HBCU.