At the HBCU Digital Media Collaborative, we believe that opportunity should never be limited by circumstance. This is why we are proud to launch the Student Impact Fund, a dedicated effort to ensure our member students and campus partners have the access and support they need to engage directly with the media and journalism industry.
For too many students, the cost of traveling to conferences, convenings, and industry events is an impossible barrier. Many campus departments operate with little to no budget to provide these opportunities, leaving talented student journalists without the chance to be in the room where ideas, innovation, and connections are made.
The Student Impact Fund was created to change that.
What the Fund Will Do
- Support up to 100 students this year in attending journalism and media convenings through a structured application and campus endorsement process.
- Cover travel and lodging costs for six students per HBCU to attend our annual conference in February.
- Direct 100% of proceeds toward student participation efforts in 2026 and beyond, with a commitment to grow this opportunity every year.
Our Long-Term Vision
This is just the beginning. Over the next five years, our goal is to expand the Student Impact Fund to raise $1 million. With this growth, we will not only continue supporting conference participation, but also cover travel, lodging, and participation costs for fellowships and internships, creating a sustainable pipeline of access, exposure, and advancement for HBCU student journalists.
At the Collaborative, we value opportunity, prioritize experience, and most importantly, are committed to creating access. The Student Impact Fund is a direct investment in the next generation of Black media professionals, ensuring that their voices, talents, and leadership are fully present in shaping the future of journalism.