That distinction runs through this list. Some of the support is new money; some comes from funds established years ago; one example is a fundraiser whose student awards have yet to be announced. All seven have a documented connection to HBCU funding in 2026.

1. Coco Gauff

UNCF administers the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program for student-athletes who play tennis at HBCUs. Gauff’s January 2026 contribution was $150,000, following a $100,000 gift in 2025. UNCF said 10 students at Alabama A&M, Albany State, Clark Atlanta, Howard, Livingstone and Tuskegee received scholarships earlier this year.

The announcement does not connect those awards to Gauff’s latest donation. The $250,000 in contributions and the 10 recipients are separate figures. The program is also aimed at a particular group: HBCU tennis players, rather than students across every course of study.

“I am honored once again to give back and support the incredible work that UNCF does to help HBCU students get to and through college.”

— Coco Gauff

2. Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson’s name remains attached to a scholarship with applications open for the 2026–27 academic year. UNCF lists awards of up to $4,000 for eligible students at member institutions, with an application deadline of November 6, 2026.

The fund dates to 1986, when Jackson gave $1.5 million to support students studying communications and performing arts at HBCUs. Two years later, he donated $600,000 in proceeds from his Madison Square Garden concerts to the scholarship, according to UNCF’s history. Jackson died in 2009; the current applications come through the continuing fund, not a new donation from him. UNCF says it has supported 492 students at 41 HBCUs.

3. Luther Vandross

The Luther Vandross Foundation has opened its 2026–27 scholarship application for full-time undergraduates in their third, fourth or fifth year at an HBCU. Awards range from $500 to $5,000. The foundation says recipients are chosen based on financial need, and payments go to their schools for tuition or tuition-based fees.

Vandross is not making new donations. The foundation carries on his commitment to students, and reports that it has awarded more than $1 million to over 216 students at 53 HBCUs since 2022.

4. Donnie Shell

Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety and Pro Football Hall of Famer Donnie Shell founded the Shell Legacy Foundation to support HBCU students. The foundation lists a 2026 “Helping Hands” scholarship and separately describes a gap-funding initiative for HBCU students. They are distinct programs, so the gap-funding support should not be counted as part of the scholarship without further details.

The foundation’s program page directs applicants to current information and establishes that the scholarship is being offered

5. Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey’s scholarship program at Morehouse College has operated since 1989. In May 2026, Winfrey wrote that she had recently visited the Atlanta college and surprised 12 graduating scholars. The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation says the program has received gifts totaling $25 million.

I started this program all the way back in 1989 as a way to empower the next generation of community leaders, and now, 37 years later, I can say without a doubt that it is my proudest investment. — Oprah Winfrey

The program is tied to Morehouse. It pairs financial aid with academic, service and leadership expectations.

6. Denzel Washington’s family

Denzel Washington’s $1 million gift in 2007 helped revive the debate program at Wiley University, the team depicted in The Great Debaters. Washington family continues to contribute each year toward scholarships, membership costs and student opportunities.

The support is connected to debate, not a general scholarship open to all Wiley students. One former team member told People he received $80,000 in scholarships over five years; that is his experience, not a standard award amount. Wiley says its team placed third at the 2025 HBCU Nationals.

7. Bryan-Michael Cox and Tank

At producer Bryan-Michael Cox’s Grammy-week brunch in February 2026, guests raised $50,000 to establish the Jerrell Allen Memorial Scholarship with HBCU Week. Event coverage says Tank helped lead the effort.

The reports confirm that the money was raised, but they do not name recipients or say that awards have been paid. The fund is a new source of scholarship money; students will need application and disbursement details from its administrators before they can count on it for tuition.

What students should check before applying

These examples cover different kinds of support: a fresh donation, scholarships paid from older endowments, a college partnership, annual backing for an academic team and a newly raised fund. The names in the headlines do not always tell students who handles applications or when money reaches a school.

Eligibility can turn on the campus, course of study, year in school, financial need or participation in a sport or team. Applicants should check the administrator’s current rules and ask their school’s financial-aid office whether an award can be combined with other aid and how it will be paid.

Private scholarships can help individual students, but they do not cover the wider costs of operating a college.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which programs have a 2026–27 application open?

UNCF lists a Michael Jackson Endowed Scholarship cycle through November 6, 2026. The Luther Vandross Foundation also lists a 2026–27 application, while Shell Legacy features its 2026 Helping Hands Scholarship. Check each administrator’s page for eligibility and deadlines.

Did Coco Gauff’s $150,000 gift fund the 10 reported awards?

UNCF has not said that it did. The donation and the 10 recipients were reported separately.

Are Michael Jackson and Luther Vandross making new awards themselves?

No. Their names are attached to active legacy programs administered by UNCF and the Luther Vandross Foundation.

Have students received money from the Jerrell Allen Memorial Scholarship?

The reports reviewed say $50,000 was raised to establish the fund. They do not identify recipients or confirm that awards have been paid.

Can students at any HBCU apply?

No. Each program sets its own rules. Some are limited by school, class year, major, financial need, sport or team membership.

The post 7 Black Celebrities Secretly Funding HBCU Scholarships Right Now appeared first on Black Elites.

Across seven campuses, homecoming took different forms: a school theme, a close game, a student showcase, an alumni reunion or a fundraising campaign. These moments show what universities and their communities put on display during the 2026 season. They also show the limits of a busy week: attendance and excitement are visible right away; longer-term effects take time to measure.

Howard’s week brought tradition into new settings

1. “Wildest Dreams” Gave Howard’s Week a Common Thread

Howard chose “Wildest Dreams” as its homecoming theme. The phrase gave students and alumni a way to connect their own ambitions with the university’s history and the lives of Bison who came before them. Howard’s homecoming page sets out the theme.

2. Howard Scored Twice in the Fourth to Beat Morehouse

Morehouse pulled level at 17 in the third quarter. Howard answered with two touchdowns in the final quarter and won 31–17. The result gave the Bison a homecoming victory during a difficult season, in front of a crowd of 9,995, according to Howard’s official recap.

3. Club 520 Brought Podcast Culture into Howard Theatre

On October 14, the Club 520 Podcast taped a live Homecoming Edition at Howard Theatre. John Wall, the NBA All-Star and Howard’s men’s basketball general manager, joined as a special guest. The Cathy Hughes School of Communications sponsored the recording and used the event to launch its Impact Hub with Project 68. Howard’s report connected the hub to support for emerging Black storytellers and civic leaders.

For students, the event brought a familiar online sports show into a campus venue and connected it to a university programme.

4. Jordan’s Howard Collection Put School Colors In a Major Brand Catalogue

Howard announced the rollout of its Jordan MVP x Howard University apparel collection during homecoming. Nike’s Howard merchandise page listed co-branded items, including a Jordan MVP hoodie.

The collaboration gave Howard’s name and colours a place in a major sportswear catalogue. The university and Nike did not report sales figures in the cited coverage, so the collection’s commercial results are not yet clear.

5. Student Designers Got a Homecoming Runway

Howard’s annual student fashion show took place at Cramton Auditorium on October 15. The university presents it as a showcase for student creativity, style and individuality. For the designers, the runway puts work before a campus audience; for the audience, it offers a look at what students are making.

6. The Greek Step Show Carried the Divine Nine’s Traditions

Howard held its Greek Step Show at Burr Gymnasium on October 16, with Black Greek-letter organizations taking part. Five of the nine Divine Nine organisations were founded at Howard, according to the university’s homecoming coverage.

Stepping gives those organisations a public stage for rhythm, movement and group identity. It can also introduce the tradition to students and visitors encountering it for the first time.

7. Grambling Celebrated a Century of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band

Grambling State marked the band’s centennial with a gala and concert on October 1. The university said it honoured generations of band members and launched a Centennial Uniform Fund to support the band’s next century. The anniversary fell within a milestone year for Grambling State, which marked 125 years, and for Tiger Athletics, which marked 100.

President Martin Lemelle Jr. spoke about the ties that connect alumni across generations:

Different generations may experience Grambling State in different ways, but we remain connected by this University and by our responsibility to its future. — Martin Lemelle Jr.

Games and Gatherings Across Other Campuses

8. FAMU’s Theme Took Inspiration from The Wiz

Florida A&M scheduled homecoming for October 18–25 under the theme “There’s No Place Like the Hill,” drawing on The Wiz. The reference tied the week’s programme to a familiar piece of Black popular culture and the university’s own Rattler identity. 

The week was still underway on October 20, so its remaining events were scheduled, not completed.

9. FAMU’s Step Show Was Set for October 23

The university’s NPHC Step Show was scheduled under the title “Galaxy Games: Journey to the Emerald City.” The concept carried the Wiz reference into a performance by FAMU’s Greek-letter organisations.

The show had not yet taken place at the time of writing. Any assessment of its performances or attendance would have to wait until afterward.

10. Alabama A&M Turned an Early Deficit Into a 61–31 Win

Grambling State opened with a two-touchdown lead in its October 17 game against Alabama A&M. The Bulldogs then scored 44 unanswered points across the second and third quarters and won 61–31, according to Grambling’s game recap.

The final score was emphatic. The swing that produced it came in the middle quarters, when Alabama A&M took control.

11. Jackson State Rallied In the Fourth Quarter

Jackson State trailed Florida A&M 17–12 going into the final quarter on October 17. The Tigers scored 15 unanswered points to win 27–17 before a university-reported crowd of 44,173 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. Jackson State’s recap also credited the team with forcing four turnovers.

The late rally gave the home crowd a game that changed direction in the final quarter.

12. Prairie View Won with a Field Goal Inside the Final Two Minutes

Prairie View A&M beat Alcorn State 41–38 on October 17. With 1:56 left, Ethan Eddins made a 37-yard field goal after the Panthers drove 47 yards in seven plays. Alcorn had erased two 14-point deficits and taken the lead in the third quarter.

13. Prairie View Reported a Record $6.1 Million In Gifts and Commitments

Prairie View A&M said its homecoming generated more than $6.1 million in gifts and commitments. The university reported that the total included scholarship support, a $1 million endowment for student programmes and corporate gifts from Shell and Dow. It also said the sum contributes to a $15 million anniversary fundraising effort running through July 2027.

The wording matters: gifts and commitments do not mean that all the money had already arrived. Jeff Shaw, the university’s vice president for University Advancement, described the intended use:

These contributions represent more than financial generosity. They are lasting investments in student success and the future of our institution. — Jeff Shaw

14. “Rooted and Rising” Brought Prairie View’s Anniversary Into the Celebration

Prairie View A&M’s homecoming theme was “Rooted and Rising.” Founded in 1876, the university held its 2026 celebrations during its 150th anniversary year. The programme, which ran from October 11 to 17, included events for alumni groups and graduating classes.

Prairie View also tied the anniversary to giving. Its homecoming giving challenge recognised the college or school with the most money raised and the one with the most individual donors.

15. North Carolina A&T’s Centennial Celebration Was Still to Come

North Carolina A&T scheduled the 100th edition of the “Greatest Homecoming on Earth” for October 25–November 1. The university listed its October 31 football game against Elon as sold out. As of October 20, the celebration had not yet begun.

The centennial gave Aggies a milestone to prepare for. Attendance totals and the week’s results would only be known after the events.

FAQs

What is HBCU Homecoming?

HBCU Homecoming is a campus celebration that brings together students, alumni, faculty, families and supporters. Schools may hold football games, concerts, reunions, showcases, parades, religious services and Greek step shows. Each university builds its programme around its own traditions.

Which HBCU reported a record $6.1 million in homecoming gifts and commitments?

Prairie View A&M reported more than $6.1 million in gifts and commitments during its 2026 homecoming. The university said the total included scholarship support, programme funding and corporate gifts.

How did Howard beat Morehouse in 2026?

Howard scored twice in the fourth quarter to win 31–17 on October 17. Howard Athletics reported 9,995 in attendance at Greene Stadium.

What was FAMU’s homecoming theme?

Florida A&M chose “There’s No Place Like the Hill,” inspired by The Wiz. Its homecoming was scheduled for October 18–25, with the NPHC Step Show set for October 23.

When was North Carolina A&T’s centennial homecoming scheduled?

The university scheduled its 100th “Greatest Homecoming on Earth” for October 25 through November 1, 2026. Its football game against Elon was set for October 31 and listed as sold out.

The post HBCU Homecoming 2026: 15 Moments That Defined the Culture and Why They Resonated appeared first on Black Elites.

This announcement gives Spelman’s commencement significant national attention. Sanders Townsend has a public profile shaped by her work in campaign politics, the White House, television journalism, and public commentary. Her career spans many fields that Spelman graduates often enter. These includes policy, communications, media, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and public leadership. Spelman stated that Symone Sanders will also receive an honorary doctorate during the ceremony. This reflects the college’s view of her not just as a celebrity but as someone whose career shows influence, visibility, and trailblazing success.

In its April 20 announcement, Spelman noted that Sanders Townsend will address a historic graduating class. The Class of 2026 has achieved a new milestone with seven valedictorians. The class consists of 569 degree candidates, including 370 Bachelor of Arts candidates and 199 Bachelor of Science candidates. This context is important. Commencement speakers at Spelman do more than mark the end of an academic year; they are selected to reflect a moment of change for one of the most accomplished groups of Black women entering public life.

Spelman’s choice is also symbolically significant. Symone Sanders gained national recognition during Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign when she became the youngest presidential press secretary at just 25. She later served as a senior advisor for Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign and as deputy assistant to the president and senior advisor and chief spokesperson for Vice President Kamala Harris. Georgetown’s Institute of Politics and Public Service states that this role made her the first Black woman to serve as spokesperson to a vice president. She currently co-hosts The Weeknight on MS NOW, where she provides political analysis for a prime-time audience.

Her blend of political insight and media expertise shows why she fits well within the Spelman framework. Sanders Townsend’s career has unfolded in areas where Black women have been visible but often overlooked. Her résumé highlights not just access to power but also a skill in shaping how that power is communicated, challenged, and understood by the public. For graduates entering a world marked by rapid information, distrust in institutions, and constant public scrutiny, this experience will likely resonate.

Spelman emphasized this point in its selection. Interim President and Chair Emerita Rosalind “Roz” Brewer expressed excitement about welcoming Sanders Townsend to inspire the Class of 2026. Brewer noted that Sanders Townsend’s wide-ranging accomplishments make her particularly suitable to address graduates at a crucial moment requiring confidence, imagination, and purpose.

The college’s broader commencement programming supports this message. Spelman announced that Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, former leader of Feeding America, will receive the National Community Service Award during the ceremony. Additionally, the Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart, senior pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, will speak at the Baccalaureate Ceremony on Saturday, May 16, at the Georgia International Convention Center. Together, this lineup indicates a focused theme: public service, Black women’s leadership, moral clarity, and institution-building.

There is also a significant media aspect to this announcement. Spelman is not simply choosing a successful political figure or television host but a speaker whose public identity merges strategy and storytelling. Sanders Townsend has worked in campaigns and government while translating political conflict for broader audiences. This dual credibility matters in an era where leadership relies not only on what people do but on their ability to explain, defend, and humanize complex decisions.

For Spelman, an institution dedicated to educating Black women for meaningful impact, this choice aligns with its own mission. On its commencement page, the college describes the ceremony as a celebration of “achievement and legacy,” honoring graduates’ achievements and futures. By selecting Sanders Townsend, Spelman underscores a vital message: excellence should be matched with voice, conviction, and the ability to lead in challenging situations.

The timing of this announcement is also noteworthy. Commencement season often reveals how institutions want graduates to view themselves. Some colleges choose business leaders; others opt for entertainers, philanthropists, or judges. Spelman’s selection of Sanders Townsend indicates a preference for agility, courage, communication, and public relevance, qualities that define modern leadership across sectors. This announcement is not just about choosing a speaker; it signals the type of authority Spelman believes its graduates should claim.

The ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. on May 17, with doors opening at 1 p.m., according to Spelman’s official commencement FAQ. Media representatives interested in covering the event must submit credential requests by May 8. These details highlight the scale and visibility of the occasion, which will celebrate graduates and their families while also attracting public and media attention to one of the nation’s leading institutions for women of African descent.

In practical terms, Sanders Townsend’s address will likely be evaluated on more than just applause. Spelman commencements carry institutional significance. They are expected to affirm scholarship, honor sacrifice, and challenge graduates to enter the world with purpose. Sanders Townsend’s professional journey, from campaign communications to the White House to prime-time television, provides her the experiences needed to deliver this message. Whether she focuses on civic duty, resilience, truth-telling, or the discipline needed to thrive in high-pressure environments, her presence already signals the values that Spelman aims to highlight at this key moment.

For the Class of 2026, the message starts even before her speech begins. A commencement speaker is never just a guest; at Spelman, she is also a mirror, a marker, and for many graduates, a measure of what is achievable. By selecting Symone Sanders Townsend, the college has chosen a figure whose career has been about engaging in significant spaces and speaking clearly when it matters. This is the kind of example commencement season aims to present to graduates, not just as a ceremony, but as an invitation.

Quick-answer FAQ

Who is speaking at Spelman College’s 2026 commencement?
Spelman College has named Symone Sanders Townsend as the keynote speaker for its 139th Commencement Ceremony.

When is Spelman College’s 2026 commencement?
The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.

Where will Spelman’s 2026 commencement be held?
It will take place at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park, Georgia.

Will Symone Sanders Townsend receive an honorary degree from Spelman?
Yes. Spelman stated that Sanders Townsend will receive an honorary doctorate during the ceremony.

What is notable about Spelman’s Class of 2026?
Spelman reported that the Class of 2026 set a record with seven valedictorians and includes 569 degree candidates.

The post Symone Sanders Named Keynote Speaker for Spelman College’s 2026 Commencement appeared first on Black Elites.

The investment will support the creation of a Construction Engineering and Management program within Howard’s College of Engineering and Architecture. It will also enhance hands-on learning through the university’s new makerspace. This announcement marks another step forward in the ongoing partnership between Autodesk and one of America’s most prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Why This Investment Matters

As industries globally adopt automation, data-driven design, robotics, and AI tools, employers increasingly seek graduates who can merge traditional engineering skills with modern digital abilities.

Autodesk’s Career Readiness Report reveals that nearly half of U.S. college students surveyed feel they are not learning the AI skills necessary for jobs after graduation. Also, the report shows that 70% wish for more coursework aimed at solving real-world issues.

This partnership seeks to bridge the gap between education and employment.

The partnership expects Howard University students to gain access to professional-grade tools used in architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing. The partnership exposes them to systems used in real work environments.

Howard University’s New Makerspace

The donation coincides with the opening of Howard University’s 3,400-square-foot College of Engineering and Architecture Makerspace. It is a collaborative hub designed for design, prototyping, testing, and product development.

The facility features:

• Digital fabrication and advanced manufacturing areas
• Computer and design labs
• Collaboration zones
• Virtual reality capabilities
• Industry-grade computer-aided engineering software
• AI-powered design tools

The makerspace aims to support students from various disciplines. They include engineering, architecture, business, and computer science.

A Growing Commitment From Autodesk

This is not Autodesk’s first major investment in Howard University. In 2024, the company donated $5 million. This is the largest unrestricted gift in the history of Howard’s College of Engineering and Architecture. This support helped make the makerspace a reality.

The latest pledge extends that commitment and indicates a long-term strategy to increase access to cutting-edge technology and boost representation in future industries.

What Leaders Are Saying

Dara Treseder, Chief Marketing Officer at Autodesk, said the partnership relies on the belief that talent exists everywhere, even where opportunities may not.

According to reports, she stated that Howard University is turning “academic excellence into economic possibility.” She calls the collaboration a practical approach to creating spaces for opportunity to flourish.

Howard’s interim president, Wayne A. I. Frederick, noted that the investment reflects a shared goal of preparing students to lead in a technology-driven world. He says that Howard students are being prepared not just to learn but to create immediate impacts.

Why Howard University Is Strategically Important

Established in 1867, Howard University has consistently been a leading institution for producing Black professionals, executives, doctors, lawyers, engineers, and public leaders in the United States.

As AI shapes the global economy, investments in HBCUs like Howard are increasingly viewed as essential to ensuring Black talent is present in future industries.

This story extends beyond a simple donation. It addresses access, inclusion, and the goal of building pathways to wealth through technology.

The Bigger Picture: Black Talent in the AI Economy

AI is already changing construction, engineering design, infrastructure planning, logistics, and manufacturing. Students familiar with machine learning tools, simulation software, digital twins, and automated workflows will likely have an advantage in the future job market.

By aligning education with these trends, Howard University is positioning its students to compete and lead.

For Black Americans, this serves as a reminder that innovation, ownership, and technical leadership are crucial for sustained economic growth.

FAQs

What is Autodesk?
Autodesk is a global software company that is popular for products used in architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and design.

How much did Autodesk give Howard University?
Autodesk pledged $1.95 million in new funding. This is in addition to a previous $5 million contribution in 2024.

What will the money be used for?
The funding will support Howard University’s Construction Engineering and Management program and help students access advanced tools and technology for AI-era careers.

Why is this important?
It prepares students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, for high-growth jobs in engineering, construction, and emerging technologies.

The post Autodesk Pledges $1.95 Million to Howard University to Equip Future Engineers for the AI Era appeared first on Black Elites.

Now, their mission is coming to fruition, as the fund allocates $40,000 to support HBCU students pursuing ambitious goals in business.

Eight dedicated students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities will each receive $5,000, not merely as a financial aid, but as a strong affirmation of their potential.

These scholarships are not just any ordinary business grants, they are designed for students who aspire to leverage entrepreneurship as a means of effecting social change, uplifting their communities while forging their own paths.

For Carmelo Anthony, the inception of this fund arose from a moment of reflection. “We were witnessing a pivotal time in society and our community, and our country, and it was right in front of us, with the world watching,” Anthony shared.

“It was a moment where I had to ponder, ‘What do I want to contribute?’” That contemplation sparked meaningful discussions and ultimately led to action, bringing together three basketball icons under the belief that change is achievable through investing in the youth.

The Social Change Fund United is not acting in isolation. NBA and WNBA stars, including Candace Parker and CJ McCollum, have joined the cause, accompanied by advisors who are skilled at transforming vision into tangible impact.

The fund has already made significant strides, distributing over $182,000 in grants across 24 cities and supporting initiatives that confront injustice directly.

Yet, at its core, the fund is centered on individuals, students striving to overcome obstacles, families aspiring for brighter futures, and a collective of athletes utilizing their platforms for positive change.

Although the application period for this round has ended, the enthusiasm is just beginning. The winners will be announced on July 1, and their stories are sure to motivate even more young leaders to dream and take bold action.

The post NBA Legends Launch $40K Scholarships for HBCU Business Students appeared first on Black Elites.