When a Boston-based nonprofit started six years ago with just 80 students, few could have predicted the trajectory it would take. But this week, Building Bridges Education (BBE) closed out its 2026 HBCU Week with numbers that signal a major shift in college access work across New England: more than 3,000 students engaged, over 325 acceptances in hand, and $5 million in scholarships secured.
BOSTON, MA, UNITED STATES, October 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Building Bridges Education (BBE) marked the conclusion of HBCU Week 2026, a five-day stretch of programming that drew HBCU leaders, educators, policymakers, and thousands of students together across New England. Preliminary data shows more than 3,000 students took part in BBE’s HBCU-focused initiatives, resulting in more than 325 college acceptances and $5 million in scholarships.
The jump from 80 students in year one to over 3,000 participants in the HBCU Fair & Interview Day alone puts BBE’s HBCU Program among the largest HBCU-centered college access efforts nationwide.
A Week of Programming
The schedule kicked off Tuesday with Building Bridges HBCU Roadshows, where admissions leaders traveled to high schools across the Commonwealth to highlight the academic offerings and cultural richness of HBCUs. Wednesday, October 14, brought the HBCU Summit to Harvard Kennedy School, supported in part by Dr. Sara Bleich. The gathering brought together HBCU leaders, K–12 educators, higher education professionals, counselors, and community partners to discuss expanding access, strengthening pathways, and advancing student opportunities.
Featured speakers included:
- Dr. Sara Bleich, Vice Provost for Special Projects at Harvard University and Professor of Public Health Policy at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
- Dr. M.C. Brown II, Executive Director of the Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF).
- April English, Chief Secretary to Governor Maura T. Healey of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Jeneé Osterheldt, Deputy Managing Editor for Culture, Talent, and Development and culture columnist at The Boston Globe; founder of A Beautiful Resistance.
- Chelsea Holley, Director of Admissions at Spelman College.
- Dominique Harrison, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at North Carolina A&T State University.
- Cedric Walker, Dean of Students at Tuskegee University and former Associate Director of Admissions.
HBCU Fair & Interview Day by the Numbers
On Thursday, October 15, the Building Bridges HBCU Fair, Interview Day & Career and Pathways Expo took over the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center in Boston. Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Chief Secretary April English, a Spelman alumna, walked the fair floor alongside students, families, and HBCU representatives.
BBE brought 23 HBCUs to Boston, including Spelman College — ranked No. 1 among HBCUs in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 rankings — along with Howard University, Tuskegee University, Morehouse College, Florida A&M University, North Carolina A&T State University, Hampton University, Morgan State University, Clark Atlanta University, and Bethune-Cookman University.
For the complete list of participating HBCUs and event details, visit the Building Bridges Education website.
The event attracted more than 3,000 students from 138 schools, including 117 Massachusetts schools and participating schools from Maine and Rhode Island. On-site admissions interviews gave high school seniors a shot at immediate admission offers and scholarships, while 14 Career & Pathways Expo partners — working with Boston Public Schools’ Office of College, Career & Life Readiness — connected students with employers and future career paths.
Preliminary results show more than 325 college acceptances and $5 million in scholarships, reflecting the life-changing opportunities created through Building Bridges Education’s HBCU Week.
Partnerships and the HBCU Legacy Gala
HBCU Week runs on partnerships, community, and what Dr. Lezama calls love. Building Bridges Education works alongside UNCF, TMCF, and uAspire, while welcoming members of the Divine Nine and other community partners. Together, these organizations connect students with HBCUs, scholarships, financial guidance, and a deeper understanding of the culture, history, and enduring legacy of HBCUs.
Thursday evening, the HBCU Legacy Gala at Grace by Nia in Boston celebrated this legacy and honored three distinguished leaders for their contributions:
- Arleaya L. Martin, CFRE, Area Director of Development – New England, UNCF: Legacy Award
- Ronald L. Walker II, former Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development and Prairie View A&M University graduate: Legacy Award
- Senator Elizabeth Miranda, Massachusetts State Senate: Leadership Award
“Six years ago, we started with 80 students. Today, we are watching thousands of students connect with HBCUs face-to-face, interview with admissions teams, and pursue opportunities for admission and scholarships, … This work is not the vision of one person or one organization. Our growth reflects the commitment of like-minded leaders, partners, and individuals who believe in investing in possibilities beyond what young people may currently imagine for themselves. At its heart, this work is driven by community, collaboration, and love. We know this work changes lives, and we are just getting started,” said Dr. Keith C. Lezama Jr., Founder and CEO of Building Bridges Education.
Save the Date: HBCU Week 2027
HBCU Week 2027 is scheduled for October 12–15, 2027, featuring the HBCU Roadshows, HBCU Summit, HBCU Fair & Interview Day, and HBCU Legacy Gala.
Organizations interested in sponsoring or partnering with Building Bridges Education are encouraged to contact the organization at info@buildingbridgeseducation.com.
About Building Bridges Education
Building Bridges Education bridges PreK–12 experiences with postsecondary education and career opportunities. Through its HBCU Program, HBCU Policy Fellowship, and College Proven, its signature pathway from seventh grade through college degree attainment, BBE connects New England students, families, and educators with HBCUs and the scholarships, mentors, and pathways that support their success.
Learn more at buildingbridgeseducation.com.
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Why it matters: The scale of this year’s HBCU Week — from 80 initial students to 3,000-plus participants — shows what focused, partnership-driven college access work can accomplish in a short span. With hundreds of acceptances and millions in scholarships already confirmed, BBE’s model offers a replicable blueprint for other regions looking to close opportunity gaps for students of color.
