HBCU Innovative Solutions Initiative

Empowering Visionary Ideas for HBCUs Nationwide.

Launched in 2023, the HBCU Innovative Solutions Initiative is a collaboration between the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation and Delaware State University, supported by a generous $100,000 grant from Bank of America. This initiative fosters innovation by bringing together HBCU leaders, stakeholders, and allies to address the pressing challenges facing HBCUs nationwide.

2025 Finalists

Changing the Game – Financial Empowerment for HBCU Students

Championed By: Lisa LaBoo, CEO, Prosperity Investment Services, Inc.

Changing the Game – Financial Empowerment for HBCU Students is a financial literacy initiative developed by Lisa Rae LaBoo, a seasoned financial advisor and real estate investor with over 30 years of experience. The program will offer annual masterclasses on budgeting, saving, investing, and more, using gamified learning and incentives to engage students. Participants will also gain access to group investment opportunities aimed at reducing student debt and building long-term wealth.

TechBridge HBCU – Enhancing the Wealth of HBCUs Through Commercialization of IP

Championed By: Rodney Trapp, Vice President for Advancement, University of the District of Columbia Foundation

TechBridge HBCU was created by Rodney Trapp to help HBCUs unlock the value of their intellectual property and research. With a background in entrepreneurship, international business, and nonprofit leadership, Rodney’s initiative will support HBCUs through IP assessment, management, and business development services. The goal is to increase Black ownership, drive new revenue, and strengthen institutional wealth across the HBCU ecosystem.

HBCU Innovative Solution Top Ideas

I Love My HBCU Day of Giving is an annual fundraising and marketing campaign designed to ensure the financial sustainability and continued success of HBCUs. The idea was developed by Connie Cochran, an HBCU alum with 25 years of experience in alumni relations, 14 of which were spent at Texas Southern University (TSU). Following a successful pilot campaign conducted at TSU in February 2024, a nonprofit organization has been established to launch the project nationwide in 2025.

The Strategic Industry Guidance Network for Academic Learning (SIGNAL) was developed by Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, President of Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design in Detroit, as an initiative to better prepare students with the skills, networks, and knowledge to succeed in their chosen field. SIGNAL Institute will immerse professors in industry-aligned training, providing year-round coaching and support. Beginning in the summer of 2024, Pensole is slated to welcome its first cohort of educators.

Capacity building of HBCUs for careers of the future
HBCUs as social justice change agents

Increasing student engagement and retention
Engaging alumni, both financially and operationally

The Process

An expansion of our Reinventing Delaware model, the initiative takes place annually at the HBCU Philanthropy Symposium. Participants engage in dynamic roundtable sessions, where ten standout ideas are selected to pitch to the full audience. The winning concept receives a $10,000 grant and tailored support to move toward implementation. Finalists are chosen for their compelling vision and work closely with marketing, business development, and research experts to refine their ideas into actionable solutions.

Join Us in Making an Impact

Since its debut, the HBCU Innovative Solutions Initiative has surfaced over 100 transformative ideas and continues to shine a spotlight on the creativity, leadership, and innovation emerging from HBCU communities.

To get involved or learn more, contact us or email Lynn Roberts directly at [email protected].