If HBCUs are going to stay competitive or at least shed that underfunded reputation, leveraging Black businesses for support will have to be central, according to Courtney Brunious, who teaches clinical management and organization at USC’s Marshall School of Business.

Many students receive little information about HBCUs during early college planning, according to a new study from the United Negro College Fund. Limited classroom discussion and low awareness may shape which colleges they consider.

Historical barriers to funding and support aren't stopping HBCUs from finding key partners to drive innovation in the classroom and back-end operations.