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  • šŸ’¼ Labor Day Power Moves: Morgan, The Mecca & HBCU Culture on Top

šŸ’¼ Labor Day Power Moves: Morgan, The Mecca & HBCU Culture on Top

On this Labor Day, we’re celebrating HBCU excellence—from Morgan State’s historic medical school plans to Howard’s leadership shift and HBCU culture shining at the US Open.

In partnership with

Happy Labor Day, fam! šŸ’¼āœØ

While you’re relaxing, grilling, or catching up on some much‑needed rest, we’ve got your dose of HBCU news and inspiration. This week is stacked with milestones—from breaking barriers in medicine and leadership to shining on national stages. Here’s your roundup of how HBCUs are making history and shifting culture right now.

Let’s get into itšŸ‘‡šŸ¾

🩺 Morgan State Makes Medical History

Morgan State just locked in a $1.75M grant to lay the foundation for Maryland’s first public, nonprofit M.D. program. This means more Black doctors, more equity, and more reasons to rep the Bears.

šŸŽ¾ US Open Puts HBCUs Center Court

From Queens to the culture—the US Open went full HBCU with the 5th annual HBCU Live. FAMU’s Marching 100 lit up the stage while Althea Gibson’s legacy got its flowers on the 75th anniversary of her breaking barriers. Plus, two new $10K scholarships in her name are now on deck.

šŸ‘‘ Howard Holds the Crown + Shifts Leadership

The Mecca stays on top—Forbes and LinkedIn both crowned Howard as the nation’s #1 HBCU. And with the win comes change: President Ben Vinson III steps down, and Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick returns as interim leader. Excellence steady, leadership ready.

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āœˆļø Tuskegee Student Earns His Wings After 80 Years

Isaiah Hand, a 20‑year‑old Aviation Science major from Tallahassee, just made history at Moton Field—becoming the first Tuskegee student in nearly 80 years to earn a private pilot’s license. He skipped vacations, trained all summer, and now he’s flying high while carrying the Tuskegee Airmen’s legacy into a new era. His story is pure determination with a Crimson Pipers soundtrack.

✨ Why it matters:  Tuskegee’s Aviation Science Program is back in full force, with 16 more students on deck to earn their wings. It’s proof that the legacy isn’t just history—it’s the future.

Job Opportunity: World Bank Treasury Summer Internship

Spend your summer in DC with the World Bank Treasury. This 10‑week paid internship (May 26–Aug. 3, 2026) rotates interns through three Treasury teams, offers mentoring, and ends with a capstone presentation to leadership. Interns earn $21.80–$26.20/hr and gain a pathway to a Junior Analyst role.

  • šŸ“ Location: Washington, DC (On‑site)

  • šŸŽ“ Who’s Eligible: Rising seniors (grad Dec. 2026–Sept. 2027), finance/econ/business majors, GPA good standing

  • šŸ’” What You’ll Gain: Training, rotations, networking with Treasury leadership

  • ā° Deadline: Dec. 2025

šŸ”— Apply Now

šŸ‘‰šŸ¾ Visit our Career Hub for more job opportunities!

Scholarship Spotlight: TMCF x JPMorgan Chase Hardship Scholarship

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund and JPMorgan Chase are teaming up to support HBCU students facing financial need. 121 scholars will be selected to receive up to $2,500 for the 2025–2026 school year. Funds are applied directly to tuition and fees.

  • šŸ“Œ Who’s Eligible: Full‑time sophomores–seniors at TMCF schools, GPA 2.5+

  • šŸ“„ Requirements: FAFSA on file, U.S. citizen/permanent resident, show financial need, 2‑min video essay

  • šŸ“… Deadline: Dec. 1, 2025 (or until funds run out)

šŸ”— Apply Now

šŸ‘‰šŸ¾ Visit our Scholarships Page for more HBCU scholarships!

Upcoming Event: HBCU In LA: Careers in Entertainment

Mark your calendar: September 16, 2025 at Clark Atlanta University. The Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program is hosting HBCU In LA, giving students the inside track on 8–10 week internships with major studios, record labels, and production companies. A real pipeline to Hollywood—starting right on campus.

  • šŸ“ Location: Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA

  • šŸŽ„ Focus: Entertainment, media, sports, music & communication

  • ā° Time: 12–1:40 PM ET

šŸ”— Register Here

šŸŒ HBCU Grads Changing the Game in Green Construction

Shoutout to Yvonne Dragon (Hampton) and Randall Dragon (Clark Atlanta)—the powerhouse duo behind The Dragon Group. They’re repping for the culture while breaking barriers in sustainability and construction management.

šŸ’¬ Their Vision: Build spaces that reflect innovation, equity, and sustainability—bringing HBCU excellence into every brick and beam.

šŸ’” Their Impact: From student housing at Morehouse to healthcare facilities for Grady, their projects have touched over 20M lives. With Yvonne leading as one of the few Black women in this space, they’re proving the future of construction is inclusive and bold.

šŸ™ŒšŸ¾ This is innovation, impact, and legacy all rolled into one.

šŸ“ø IG Pic of the Week

Straight from the Yard šŸ‘‰šŸ¾ Each week we’re pulling one of our favorite moments off IG to keep the culture in your inbox. Don’t just peek—make sure you’re following so you never miss a vibe.

šŸŸļø Tennessee State Holds Off NC A&T in Nashville Thriller

Tennessee State edged North Carolina A&T 24–21 in Music City. Kendric Rhymes powered TSU with 174 rushing yards and two long touchdowns. The Aggies had a late chance to tie, but Lathun Snipes blocked a 38‑yard field goal to seal the win.

✨ Why it matters: TSU kicked off the season with resilience and big‑play energy, while NC A&T showed they’re still a dangerous opponent. Both squads proved HBCU football is packed with talent and drama.

The Alabama Collective Partners with Pivot Tech

Mark your calendar: Enrollment open until Oct. 3, 2025 for this new workforce-ready boot camp. In partnership with Pivot Tech, The Alabama Collective is offering a fully virtual, instructor-led Data Analytics Training Program designed to help students, graduates, and career changers pivot into one of the fastest-growing fields in tech.

  • šŸ“ Location: Virtual (Online)

  • šŸ’¼ Focus: Data analytics skills, workforce readiness, career pathways

  • šŸ“… Program Dates: Late Oct. 2025 – Mid‑Apr. 2026

  • ā° Schedule: Mon, Tue, Thu (6–9:30 PM ET) + every other Sat (10 AM–2 PM ET)

šŸ—£ļø Let’s Hear It: How’d this week’s roundup hit?

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That’s a wrap for this week’s drop.

Thanks for spending part of your Labor Day with us! Whether you’re on the grill, on the go, or just getting some well‑deserved rest, we hope this roundup gave you pride, inspiration, and connection to the HBCU family.

Until next week—keep shining, keep striving, and keep repping our culture everywhere.
āœŒšŸ¾Your HBCU Roundup Team